A Four-Day Journey Through Eastern Peloponnese: People, Projects, and Possibilities (LEADER/CLLD 2014–2020)

The Parnonas Development Agency S.A. gave me the opportunity to coordinate a four-day journey that, through an intensive programme of visits, events, and meetings, highlighted the richness and potential of the Eastern Peloponnese, as revealed through projects funded under the LEADER/CLLD 2014–2020 framework.

We visited museums, exhibitions, and cultural spaces, geoparks, historic settlements, and distinctive natural landscapes, as well as contemporary agri-food enterprises, small-scale workshops, wineries, olive oil tasting venues, small and medium-sized businesses, municipal infrastructure and interventions, professional spaces, and tourism facilities.

Alongside us was an outstanding group of early-career researchers and professionals, selected through an open call, as well as journalists. Fearlessly -and joyfully- joining us were Dimitris Andrianopoulos, Niki Gkoloni, Katerina Konstantinou, Eleni Loulaki, Konstantina Markoglou, Christina Mambzis, Alexandra Savvopoulou, Ippokratis Tseverenis, and Christina Pippa. Thank you endlessly - without you, nothing would have been quite as fun, or as meaningful. We truly hope we lived up to your expectations.

Marinis Beretsos, CEO of Parnonas, entrusted me with this endeavour, and I owe him my sincere gratitude. I deeply believe this was one of the most substantial experiences of research-driven and professional learning and collaboration. The initiatives and actions envisioned by Sotiris Bolis lay at the very heart of this journey, while Kosmas Sideropoulos showcased the collective effort behind the recent designation of Mount Parnon–Cape Maleas as a Biosphere Reserve (BR) and its inclusion in the global network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MaB).

Nothing would have been the same without the tireless organisational work of Aggeliki Manitara. Sofi Moutafi -travel companion, artistic eye, and true multi-tool- is quite simply the best thing that can happen in your professional life. The same goes for Evangelos Karagiannis, who is always there, exactly when and where he is needed. We were also joined by Marilou Bouziou, Anna Kordonouri, and Polyxeni Meni -the people behind the demanding work of designing and managing the local LEADER programme and many other activities of Parnonas- together with dozens of staff members and internal and external collaborators.

Across Argolis, Arcadia, and Laconia, participants encountered investments that promote local production, innovation, and cultural heritage - investments that keep young people in their communities, strengthen regions with scientific capital, and shape a productive human network. The local programme of the previous funding period concludes with a measurable and meaningful impact on everyday life in Eastern Peloponnese, leaving behind a legacy of cooperation, creativity, and sustainable development.

Those who wish to learn more are welcome to explore the website we designed, where all projects, actions, and stories of the programme are brought together: https://leader2014-2020.parnonas.gr