As part of the LIFE PHOENIX project, meetings with stakeholders and social partners were held in Spili, Municipality of Agios Vasileios, Rethymno, and in Pyrgos Monofatsiou, Municipality of Acharnes-Asterousia, Heraklion.
©UoC-NHMC Archive
The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature and the other Greek project partners (the Natural History Museum of Crete, Homeotech, and the Ministry of Environment and Energy) traveled to Crete on February 11th and 12th for these meetings. The main objective was to introduce key stakeholders to the project and its activities. At the same time, the need to protect palm forests and the threats they face was emphasized once again. Participants were also informed about proposed restoration and conservation measures for the habitat, as outlined in the Palm Forest Management Plan for Crete.
During the meetings, the importance of engaging public authorities, local stakeholders, and citizens in the protection and preservation of this iconic Cretan habitat was highlighted, promoting participatory approaches. The discussion focused on how local organizations active in the area can support the project by encouraging joint action for the conservation of Crete’s palm forests. This includes involvement in the project’s Habitat Working Group and the adoption of the project’s Code of Conduct. The Working Group members will meet annually to receive updates on the project’s progress and provide advisory and supportive input for its implementation and the protection of palm forests.
©HSPN Archive
Additionally, possibilities for collaboration and networking with local stakeholders were explored, particularly through their participation in the Volunteer Network, which aims to support the implementation of the project’s awareness-raising and educational activities, as well as the early detection and prevention of pests.
Among the participants were representatives of local government, municipal services, the Environmental Education Center (KEPEA) of Agios Vasileios, the Development Agency of Heraklion, and the Local Committee of Asterousia (MaB UNESCO).
The events took place in the Municipal Council Hall of the Municipality of Agios Vasileios in Spili and in the Center for Open Care for the Elderly of the Municipal Office in Pyrgos.
And this is just the beginning, as similar introductory meetings will take place in other areas of the island in the near future.
