Anogeia hosts Euracademy’s 23rd Summer Academy on protected areas and rural development
The village of Anogeia hosted the 23rd Summer Academy of Euracademy from September 16 to 20, 2026, under the theme “Protected Areas: Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Rural Development.”
The event was organized in cooperation with the Municipality of Anogeia and the Intermunicipal Network Idaion – Psiloritis Geopark, bringing together scientists, researchers, local government officials, professionals and representatives of organizations from Greece and other European countries.
This year’s Academy was dedicated to the memory of Michael Dower and centered on the relationship between environmental protection and sustainable development in rural and mountainous areas, according to the organizers.
Official opening
The official opening took place on Thursday, September 17, with welcoming remarks from Euracademy President Fouli Papageorgiou, Anogeia Mayor Socrates Kefalogiannis, and the Deputy Regional Governor of Crete for European and International Affairs, Giorgos Alexakis. Discussions focused on the challenges facing protected areas.
Mayor’s statement
Kefalogiannis said it was “a particular joy and honor” for the Municipality of Anogeia to host the 23rd Summer Academy. He said Anogeia and Psiloritis represent a place where the protection of natural and cultural wealth is directly connected to residents’ daily lives, including livestock farming, agriculture and tradition, as well as the need to create new development opportunities.
According to the mayor, the discussion on protected areas concerns both environmental protection and the future of local communities, including their ability to remain productive and dynamic. He described hosting the Summer Academy as an important opportunity for Anogeia to take part in a substantive European dialogue, present the experience and challenges of the region, and exchange knowledge and good practices with participants from different countries.
Kefalogiannis said the municipality wants Anogeia and Psiloritis to be a place where protection, production, culture and development can coexist, and he expressed hope that the Academy’s proceedings would produce useful conclusions, ideas and proposals that could be put into practice.
The region’s Psiloritis Geopark status has previously featured in discussions on sustainability across Crete, a theme also explored at events such as the Smart Islands conference on Gavdos. Anogeia is among the destinations profiled on the Places in Crete hub.
