Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR

In this Leader project, Geopark managements from Greece and Cyprus create new mechanisms for cooperation with local enterprises. Capitalising on their Geoparks' heritage and identity, newly developed products and services promote the local economy.

Akomm - Psiloritis Development Agency S.A. (Anogeia Rethymno, Greece)

The comprehensive promotion and enhancement of environmental and cultural capital through Geoparks is an objective both Local Action Groups (LAGs) have included in their Local Development Strategies (LDS). In line with the approach taken by both the European and the Global Geoparks Networks, these LAGs consider their own protected areas not as entrenched and inaccessible, but as dynamic “geotopes”, in which their local populations live and work. In order to add value to local development, Geoparks hence – within reason - may be taken advantage of for enhancing local product & service offers.

The Geoparks of the island mountain ranges of Psiloritis on Crete (Greece) and of Troodos (Cyprus) have common environmental, cultural, and sociological characteristics. Accordingly, the partner regions' overall objective is the joint elaboration of a wide range of local products and services directly associated with and connected to their Geoparks. More specifically, the project aims to jointly develop and pilot (i) Geopark products, (ii) qualitative criteria for the presentation and delivery of Geo - Products and Services, (iii) guidelines for the selection of Geo - Products and of the local businesses to produce and deliver them, and (iv) Geo - Product pricing directions.

On the basis of pre-defined procedures and conditions, both Geoparks conclude “quality pacts” with local businesses. During the project's pilot phase these will design, produce and deliver products and services marketed under the newly developed Geo–Product brand. The cooperation partners also consider the launch of a transnational fidelity scheme. Collecting points for the purchase of Geo–Products from both areas, “Geopark Friends” will be entitled to rewards, such as special offers and gifts.

Joint training measures will assist the creation of first sets of pilot products, e.g. Geopark souvenirs and tour packages for excursionists. The certification of local products and services for promotion under the Geopark brands is expected to establish common quality levels. Joint promotional events and the creation of clubs for “Geopark Friends” shall raise awareness and attract consumers. The fidelity scheme pilot will be supported by a local supermarket chain, a limited number of local shops and the local hospitality industry. Specifically created promotional tools to advertise Geo – Products will include a website, advertisements in local newspapers, as well as TV and radio spots.

Although many of the joint actions bifurcate into individual actions, none of these involve activity by solely one partner, e.g. print publications are to be based on a jointly developed format. There are also actions that result in a "common understanding" rather than common deliverables, e.g the methodological training in design and production of Geopark souvenirs will take into account the considerable regional variations that exist both in folk tradition and local produce.

The Local Action Groups (LAGs) cooperating in this transnational partnership are actually also the operators of the Geoparks. Both partners highlighted that they deliberately limited participation to LAGs running Geoparks themselves, arguing that this facilitates effective project implementation and improves the potential for sustainability following project completion.

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Evie Vrentzou

e.vrentzou@akomm.gr

+302834031402

English, Greek