DETAILED AGENDA
SUMMER UNIVERSITY
“Integrated Approaches for Sustainable Development Management, Tourism and Local Products in Biosphere Reserves (BRs)”
Sunday 8 July to Sunday 15 July 2018, Parnon, Greece
WAY OF WORK
The event will include morning theoretic sessions, followed by late afternoon group work and visits in various 'hotspots' in the area, avoiding activities in early afternoon (14.30–18.00), as the July temperaturesin the region are very high (even >40C in midday).
In the group work sessions, each group, facilitated by a tutor, will investigate a specific topic, while bringing in input from lectures and visits. By the end of the Summer University each group will deliver a set of proposals for the management of the Parnon region: The foreseen groups are:
- BR Candidature, tutors F. Lenzerini& A. Panitsas
The purpose of the working group is to understand the main characteristics of all the phases that make up an application process for a Biosphere Reserve (from the involvement of stakeholders to the compilation of the dossier). Using the Parnon region as an example, the group will test differnent aspect of methodology to effectively develop an application.
- Education for Sustainable Development, tutor MEdIES team
Based on trying out some ESD methodologies and the input from the lectures and study visits, the aim of this group is to deliver some solid recommendations that could strengthen the educational function of the BR of Parnon, enriching the application.
- Local Products and Tourism, tutor V. Psallidas & A. Boglis
The purpose is to help learners better understand how the local products are connecting culture, nature and economy of the aresa They are frequently used as ‘entry points’ for model solutions (innovation value) and citizenship (collective value). By using local products and through visits and interviews with locals, the recommendations of the group will be in the direction of enhancing the economic and social functioning of the Parnon BR.
In congestion to the SummaryAgenda (pg 2), the present detailed agenda describes thoroughly the planned daily activities. For each task there is a short description, links and references.The program foresees five overnights at Leonidioand two nights at Monemvasia.
THE SUMMARY AGENDA
All places of interest pinned on a map.
THE DETAILED AGENDA
SUNDAY 08/07
ARRIVALS: Most participants are,expected to arrive to Athens Airport by noon. Depending on landing times, transport will be organised from the airport to Leonidio, main venue of the Summer University (~ 3.5 hrs drive)where participants will settle in their rooms. Early comers (on7/7) and late comers (of 8/7) will be informed about their individual transport, personally.
18.00-20.00
ICE BREAK: Participants meet for a short afternoon ice-breaking session. An introduction to the agenda will follow.
Format: Interactive games
21.00
MELITZAZZ: The Summer University is organised back to back with well known MelitzazzFestival. Sunday is the last night of the festival, so things are expected to calm down, but there will be interesting events around the town of Leonidio. After dinner the participants can walk around the Festival hotspots.
More on the official website of the festival to be updated with the program soon) and their
MONDAY 09/07 – Thematic day candidacy
The day is devoted to the procedures regions should follow in order to establish a Biosphere Reserve. The case of Parnon will be presented, while participants will present examples from their countries.
09.00-10.30
FilippoLenzerini, “Introduction to the MAB UNESCO program”
The intervention will present the objectives of the UNESCO MAB programme and the Lima Action Plan. The size and structure of the worldwide network of Biosphere Reserves, main projects of the MAB programme will be described.
Format: 1 hour presentation and questions from the floor
10.30 -11.30
Christina Kalatha, Parnonas S.A., “The Case of Parnon Nomination “
Format: 1 hour presentation and questions from the floor
11.30-12.00
Coffee break
12.00 - 14.30
Trainees’ Case Studies: This is an interactive experience sharing session.
Trainees are asked to present interesting, inspiring management examples and lessons learned from their regions’ BRs, from which their co-trainees and the Parnonregion will benefit.
Format: Rotating ignite presentations (5 minutes, 20 slides max for each). Participants can present alone or in groups (e.g. by country). The session will end with an open discussion. (The technique is inspired from the pitching techniques, where young entrepreneur have very little time to present their business idea and convince possible investors).
Ref. What is an ignite presentation?
14.30
Light lunch(in form of finger food, salads and/or sandwiches)
18.00-20.00
FilippoLenzerini, “Milestones for a Biosphere Reserve application process”
Presentation by means of various examples, illustrating the fundamental steps for structuring a positive and effective candidacy process for a BR, not only for obtaining the “recognition”, but also for the success, and sustainability of a "Biosphere Reserve" project.
Format: 1.5 hour presentation and questions from the floor
20.00-21.00
Groups’ Formation, first session with the tutor (aims, roles, way of work in each group)
- BR Candidature, tutor F. Lenzerini & A. Panitsas
- Education for Sustainable Development, I. Alampei & V. Malotidi
- Local Products and Tourism, tutor V. Psallidas & A. Boglis
21.15
Seated dinner in a nearby taverna
TUESDAY 10/07 – Thematic day tourism and innovation
The day is devoted to green / blue growth strategies that can be applied within a BR. The speakers will present successful examples of innovation and entrepreneurship from the Euro Mediterranean region with emphasis at local level.
09.00-10.15
Sonia Ferrari“Place marketing strategies for sustainable development in a Biosphere Reserve”
The presentation will focus on marketing strategies and policies ofMABs, their objectives, tools, and targets. A part will be dedicated to the management of the relationship with the stakeholders, the UNESCO BR Network, and other target groups.
Format: 1 hour presentation and questions from the floor
10.15-11.45
Sotiris Bollis, “Alternative events that become development tools”
How an alternative and "innocent" event, if properly designed and implemented, can become a significant development and promotion tool for the area, even a landmark event that sometimes is more famous than the area itself.
Format: Presentation (Theory and examples~ 1 hr ) followed by interactive session (design of an event ~30 min)
11.45-12.00
Coffee break
12.00-13.30
FilippoLenzerini “Branding strategy in Biosphere Reserve”
Starting from the indications of the "Communication and branding toolkit" created by EUROMAB, some examples of different branding strategies in Mediterranean BRs will be illustrated.
Ref. (toolkit in 3 languages)
Format: 1 hour presentation and questions from the floor
13.30-14.30
Group Work Session with the help of tutors.
14.30
Light lunch (in form of finger food, salads or sandwiches)
18.00-21.00
Walking tour in Leonidio with 3 STOPS
Location / STOP / Subject / Duration / Presenter – guide1. Fabrica of Culture (map) / Presentation
“A long trip in about 50 meters.
A Biosphere Reserve: past, present and future” (tbc) / 30 min / Angeliki Tziatzia -
Alexandra Koskolou -
Guided tour
“Agricultural History and the Sea Road in Eastern Peloponnese” / 40 min / Andreas Panitsas – OIKOM LTD
2. Tsikaliotis Mansion
(map) / Guided tour
Tsakonian Architecture exhibition / 50 min / Eugenia Dolianiti – South Kynouria Municilality
3. Flora Information Center ofMt Parnon (map) / Presentation and Guided tour
Common species, Rare plants, Local endemic plants of Parnon / 60 min / Argyris Boglis & Katerina Pantazi.- Management Body Parnon Moustos Mainalon & Monemvasia
21.00
Seated dinner in a nearby taverna
WENDESDAY 11/07 – Thematic day Conservation
The day is devoted to conservation examples and practices as applied locally by the Parnon Management Body, so for the morning session we will move to Kastanitsa area (~ 1.5 hr drive). If and time allows(or weather dictates in the afternoon we will visit the village of Prastos.
09.30-11.00
PanagiotisDimopoulosArgyrisBoglis, “Plant and Habitats diversity in Greece: the case study of Mt Parnon”.
The ecological value of Parnon as a biodiversity hot spot of Southern Greece is documented in relation to conservation efforts and measures undertaken. In relation to the biodiversity conservation of the area, the Ecosystem Services actually and potentially supplied by the various ecosystem types of Parnon are examined in the perspective of sustainable use of its natural resources and human well-being.
Format: 1 hour presentation and questions from the floor.
11.00-11.30
ArgyrisBoglisKaterinaPantazi, Guided visit, Environmental Information Centre, Kastanitsa
The visit will update us on the protected area emphasizing on the long-term human presence on mount Parnon, the natural monuments of the region, the architecture of Kastanitsa and the main attractions but also on the Tsakonian dialect, through the environmental interpretation exhibition hall and the folklore exhibition about local traditional professions.
Format: Guided visit (30min)
12.00-14.00
Kastanitsa attractions and field exercise combined with hiking.
Visiting the Centre will be combined with a tour around the village and to the ruins of the Byzantine tower in the northern part offering panoramic views across the village, and with hiking the trails crossing the famous, in terms of natural beauty, chestnut forest.
14.00 -15.00
Seated lunch in one of the villages (ideally Kastanitsa) with traditional chestnut and wild pigrecipes.
15.00 Departures
Expected time of return ~17.00
18.00-21.00
Group WorkSession with the help of the tutor.
Note: If the day is too hot, we may include an afternoon visit to the village of Prastos and do our scheduled group work on-site (expected time of return in this scenario ~ 21.00).
THURSDAY 12/07 – Thematic day management
The day is devoted to management principles of Biosphere Reserves. Based on the morning theoretic lecture trainees will consider how they will fit in their group work’soutcomes and recommendations within a management plan. In the afternoon we will take part to the open consultation event with the local community, aiming at hearing their views on the aspects of the BR candidature and management plan.
09.00 – 11.00
Michael Scoullos, “Integrated Approaches for Sustainable Management in ‘designated’ areas”
The intervention will focus on the Integrative Methodological Framework (IMF) that combines approaches from the Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Water Resources Management and the Ecosystem Based Approach (EBA). Such approaches can be applied within the BR or any ‘designated’ site.
Format: 1 hour presentation and questions from the floor – 30 min working groupsfeedback
Ref:
11.00-11.30
Coffee break
11.30-14.30
Group Work Session with the help of tutors.
14.30
Light lunch (in form of finger food, salads or sandwiches)
19.00-21.00
Open Consultation Event with the locals
This public event aims to present the BR candidature to local stakeholders including authorities, associations, NGOs and business in order to openly hear their views and suggestions. Greek-Englishtranslation will be provided.
Buffet dinner (snacks and finger-food)
FRIDAY 13/07 – Thematic day Education and Culture
Early wake up, packing and departure from Leonidio, to the south of the region. The day is devoted to education and culture by means of lectures, study visits to traditional villages and local associations. We end our day with a visit to the emblematic heritage site of Monemvasia. Early departures at 07:30 AM
Short Stop at the Elona Monastery (30 min) - PASS BY Kosmas traditional village (10 min)
Stop atGeraki Village and Guided Visit in the castle town
The region of Geraki, although it is rather unknown, has many important Byzantine monuments, including a Medievalcastle-town (built by Franc Baron Guy de Nivele, 1209). This large and extensive fortress was a station of communication between the castles of Mystras and Monemvasia. In 1262 it passed into the hands of the Byzantines, which further strengthened the walls and built many churches.
Format: Guided visit to the castle town of Geraki bythe Ephorate of Antiquities of Lakonia (Ms IoannaKatsougkraki, Ministry of Culture and Sports)(~ 60 min).
Study visit at Olive Associationof Molaoi-Pakoi
For 12+ years the Agricultural Cooperative realizes their vision in a nature-endowed area. Their weapons are their members, whom, with their inexhaustible passion, produce the world-famous extra virgin olive oil of Laconian land, and their state-of-the-art plant.
Format: Interview with local producers and optional tasting of olive oil and olive products (~ 60 min).
Ref:
Study visit atMalvasiaWinery (Tsimpidis)
The Winery was part of a wider business plan with a clear objective: the revival of the MalvasiaWine in its birth place. The winery undertakes a number of activities from historical research to vine research, vine growing, wine making, bottling, distribution, promotion and trade.
Format: Interview with the local producers and optional wine tasting (60 min)
Ref:
15.00 – 15.30
Arrival at MonemvasiaRock - Settling in the rooms
18.30-19.45
Michael Scoullos, “Education for Sustainable Development within designated areas“
The presentation will present the evolution of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and emphasize on how its philosophy, concepts and methods can be linked with the management of BRs, and other designated areas.
Format: 1 hour lecture and questions from the floor
Ref
20.00-21.00
Guided visit at theMonemvasiaFortress
The town's name derives from two Greek words, ‘mone’ and ‘emvasia’, meaning "single entrance". It is a town is located on a small island, which is linked to the mainland by a short causeway 200m in length. Its area consists mostly of a large plateau ~ 100 metres above sea level, up to 300 m wide and 1 km long, the site of a powerful medieval fortress. The town walls and many Byzantine churches remain from the medieval period.
Format: Guided visit Assistant guides in our tour inside the Castle: N. Papadakis and M. Mylona (MolaoiCEE)
Seated dinner inside or outside the castle? (TBC)
SATURDAY 14/07 – Thematic day Local Products
Today’s focus is the local products and appropriate ways to become a sustainable developmental driver within a BR. The rest of the day is devoted to intensive group work, as by the end of the day the groups need to present their recommendations to support the Parnon nomination.
09.00 – 10.00
V. Psallidas, “Local products within Biosphere Reserves
Parnon is a region with a rich local produce of high quality. The intervention will focus onthe production and the distribution of local products in Parnon surrounding area, which is done in a way which harmoniously combines economic and social aspects and underlines the need to link tradition to innovation, biodiversity and intangible cultural heritage.
Format: One hour presentation and questions from the floor.
10.00 – 14.30
Group work and finalization of presentations
Depending on the pending tasks, this group work session might be continued after lunch and take all afternoon.
14.30
Seated Dinner in a nearbyTaverna
19.00
Public Closing event
The results and recommendations of the Working Groups of the Summer University are presented in an open-to-the public event that will be followed by a farewell party.
Place TBC
Buffet dinner (snacks and finger-food)
SUNDAY 15/07 – Evaluation – Departures
After an early wrapping up and evaluation session, a bus will leave from Monemvasiato Athens Airport (~ 4 hr drive).
ORGANISERS
The Summer University is co-organised and supported by:
/ UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe/ Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development ( through its education initiative MEdIES (
/ OIKOM Environmental Studies Ltd
/ Regional Development Company of Parnonas (PARNONAS S.A.)
/ Management Body of Parnon, Moustos, Mainalon and Monemvasia
/ Greek National Committee of Man and the Bioshere Program of UNESCO
/ UNESCO Chair and Network on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean of the University of Athens
/ Centre of Environmental Education of Molaoi