Open meetings in Paranesti on 4-5 April 2024
The Environmental Organization Callisto in cooperation with the Management Unit of the National Parks of Nestos-Vistonida and Rodopi of OFYPEKA, in the framework of the European project LIFE ARCPROM, organize two meetings on “The certification of bear-friendly products”.
The meetings will take place on April 4 and 5, 2024 in Paranesti, and will focus on promoting innovative solutions to the challenges facing the Rhodope Mountains National Park, through new synergies and collaborations aimed at improving the daily life of the local community.
On the first day, Thursday 4 April 2024, 19:00 – 21:00, an open information and discussion with the local community on bear-friendly product certifications will take place at the Nessos Hotel. The certification of such products can contribute to the preservation of the natural environment, the promotion of local cultural identity, the imposition of high quality standards in the products and services of a place and, ultimately, the sustainable development of rural areas. The meeting will present good practices from Greece and from other regions of Europe and will be followed by a discussion with contributions from specialised scientists from KALLISTO, the University of Thessaly and representatives of the local community.
On the second day, Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:00 – 13:00, the 5th meeting of the “Platform for the Coexistence of Local Communities – Bear” will take place in the Multipurpose Hall of the Kato Dome (Paranesti). The Platform is composed of representatives of local institutions, organizations and other stakeholders related to the presence of the bear in the region and the local economy[1].
The meeting will consider the possibilities for local development with reference to the presence of the bear in the region.
You can follow both events online at this link.
We look forward to seeing you at our events and continuing this constructive collaboration to improve life in the highlands.
[1] National Park Management Unit/OFYPEKA, Forestry Directorates and Forestry Offices, the Region, Municipalities, farmers, breeders, beekeepers and other producers active in the primary sector and Associations/Cooperatives, Hunting Associations and Federations, Environmental Organisations, Development Companies and Chambers, Research Institutions and Universities, local residents active in tourism and other environmental, scientific and social bodies, associations and organisations.
