CREATION OF A NETWORK ORGANIZATIONS IN THE TRICHONIDA LAKE FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS OF THE RESIDENTS OF THERMO AND AGRINIO AREA

Description

In recent years the modern way of life affects the way of life of people living around Lake Trichonida, with the latter possessing one of the richest ecosystems in Greece. Despite the direct relationship of the inhabitants with nature, a large absence in environmental awareness can be witnessed. The need to create a network of organizations around Lake Trichonida, arises as an overriding objective for mobilizing residents in terms of environmental management and upgrading of the area through a series of actions. The project aims at the protection and conservation of the ecosystem of Lake Trichonida through actions of education, training and support of the inhabitants of the area as well as actions to transfer experience from good practices to similar areas by experts. Last but not least, it is planned to create an electronic repository that will provide access to information regarding the rich ecosystem of the Lake and its sustainability.

Summary of project results

The project "Creation of a Regional Network for the Protection and Promotion of the Natural and Cultural Environment of Lake Trichonida" aimed to address several pressing challenges and issues, including:

1. Fragmentation of Efforts:

   • The lack of coordination among local organizations hindered unified and effective action for the protection and promotion of Lake Trichonida’s natural and cultural assets.

2. Environmental Degradation:

   • Sensitive ecosystems around Lake Trichonida were at risk due to pollution, lack of awareness, and insufficient management practices, threatening biodiversity and the overall ecological balance.

3. Low Public Awareness and Engagement:

   • Citizens and visitors were insufficiently aware of the ecological, cultural, and social value of the Lake Trichonida area, resulting in limited community involvement in its preservation and promotion.

4. Underutilization of Cultural and Recreational Potential:

   • The cultural and recreational opportunities in the area were underexplored and poorly promoted, limiting their contribution to local identity and community well-being.

5. Lack of Long-term Collaboration:

   • The absence of a formalized structure for collaboration among stakeholders created challenges in sustaining conservation and development efforts over time.

By addressing these issues, the project sought to foster a collaborative network, increase public awareness, and promote sustainable practices for the region''s ecological and cultural prosperity.

The project "Creation of a Regional Network for the Protection and Promotion of the Natural and Cultural Environment of Lake Trichonida" undertook several key activities to address the challenges of environmental degradation, public awareness, and local coordination. Below are the primary activities and outputs:

Activities:

1. Creation of a Regional Network:

   • A network of local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) was established, with the participation and commitment of 13 local organizations.
   • 4 participatory workshops were organized to empower members of the network and facilitate collaboration.
   • An online meeting was conducted, and during this meeting, a five-member committee was formed to ensure the sustainability and continuity of the network after the project''s conclusion.

2. Volunteer Actions and Community Engagement:

   • The project organized several voluntary actions to engage the community and raise awareness about the environment:

3. Creation of an Electronic Repository:

   • An electronic hub for environmental awareness and communication among network members was created. This hub serves as:
     • A repository for environmental information related to Lake Trichonida.
     • A platform for communication among network members, enabling the sharing of resources, best practices, and ongoing activities.
     • A tool for strengthening the capacity of local organizations in managing and promoting the region’s natural and cultural assets.

Outputs:

• 13 Local Organizations committed to the regional network, ensuring long-term collaboration for the protection and promotion of Lake Trichonida.
• 4 Participatory Workshops for network empowerment.
• 1 Online Meeting to facilitate coordination.
• 5-member Committee formed to sustain the network’s activities.
• Cleanup Event involving 70 participants and collecting 200 bags of waste.
• Eco-museum featuring photographic displays to educate the public on local flora and fauna.
• Sports and Cultural Actions promoting physical activity and community engagement, with over 200 people participating.
• Electronic Repository for communication and resource sharing, strengthening the local capacity for environmental protection.

These activities and outputs contributed to raising awareness about the ecological and cultural value of Lake Trichonida, fostering collaboration among local organizations, and empowering citizens to take an active role in preserving and promoting their local environment.

The project achieved significant results in terms of community engagement, local organization mobilization, and environmental awareness. Below are the key outcomes and impacts, along with the beneficiaries of the project:

Outcomes:

1. Establishment of a Sustainable Network of Local Organizations:

   • The project successfully established a network of 13 local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), fostering long-term collaboration among regional stakeholders.
   • A five-member committee was formed during the final online meeting, ensuring the continued operation and sustainability of the network.
   • The creation of this network helped to build local capacity and empowered CSOs to collaborate on future projects focused on the protection and promotion of the natural and cultural environment.

2. Increased Environmental Awareness and Action:

   • The voluntary actions (e.g., lake cleanup, open-air eco-museum, sports activities) directly engaged citizens of all ages, raising awareness about the ecological importance of Lake Trichonida and the need for its preservation.
   • Over 200 individuals participated in various activities, including cleaning efforts that collected over 200 bags of waste and an eco-museum that educated visitors about local flora and fauna.
   • The sports activity for families and children promoted healthy living and reinforced the message of environmental sustainability by connecting community well-being with nature.

3. Enhanced Community Participation and Engagement:

   • By organizing educational workshops and cultural activities (such as the musical concert), the project engaged locals and visitors in a deeper understanding of their cultural and natural heritage.
   • These actions helped to foster a sense of community ownership and responsibility for the protection of Lake Trichonida.

4. Creation of an Electronic Repository for Long-Term Use:

   • The electronic hub developed during the project serves as a key tool for continuous communication and resource sharing among the network members, making it easier to share knowledge, good practices, and organize future actions.
   • This repository will continue to serve as a valuable resource for local organizations, government bodies, and other stakeholders involved in the protection and promotion of the region’s natural and cultural environment.

Impacts:

• Strengthened Local Civil Society Capacity
• Improved Community Awareness and Involvement
• Increased Cooperation and Synergies Among Local Stakeholders

Beneficiaries

• Local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
• Residents and Citizens of the Trichonida Region
• Visitors to Lake Trichonida
• The local government and other stakeholders also benefited from the strengthened network of CSOs, which allowed for more collaborative efforts and better-informed decision-making regarding the future of Lake Trichonida’s preservation and management.