'Lesvos Trails', A LEADER approach [etal s.a.]

The LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY of ETAL S.A., has been focusing on the last 18 years on the idea of using the local resources, the local insular identity and particularities in order to manage the adversities of the remote nature of the island.
Lesvos is far from the mainstream tourism and product distribution chain therefore it should devise new ways of making the area more visible, discover and exploit its comparative advantages.
The main project that evolves in time since 2006 is the "Networks of walking trails of Lesvos", upon which we built various projects concerning the local economy, the social life and the environment.
The Network consists of 38 well signed trails throughout the island and has become one of the features that characterizes the island.
This idea is the focal point on building a diversified and integrated touristic product that is based on the local features.
Economic diversification involves many aspects and sectors of the local economy and the network of walking trails is used as a tool to make more visible aspects that are there to "discover", agri-food characteristics as the olivegroves of the island and its history in oliveoil production involving the olive oil production museums, the athletic events in the olive groves connecting with other countries as well (F.O.O.T. - Fit on Olive Trails) such as the LESVOSTRAIL, LAVATRAIL, AGIASSOSTRAIL etc.
It is also highly connected with alternative ways of tourism such as "bird-watching", "cycling" etc.
The concept involves also environmental awareness aspects by promoting the idea of environment friendly actions in economic activities.
The beneficiaries selected for financing are asked to involve the main concept of the network of Lesvos in their activities. There have also been various promotional activities and web sites that promote the destination as a destination of a distinct rural culture.
The issue of Culture is also involved especially in an area that has been very influenced by the olive groove cultivation and the effects it had and still has in the local culture.
The whole idea as a central focus is being supported by various other co-funded programs and funds such as INTEREG, EASME, training for mountain trails guides etc.
The overall project is being developed since 2004, and during the 2014-2020 periods it is planned under the open call for proposals to have a project that will create an Information center for visitors dedicated to the "Network of Walking Trails of Lesvos" and all of the activities that are being developing around the concept.
The information center will be an innovative approach using extensively new innovative technologies such as VIRTUAL REALITY and AUGMENTED reality moving the whole concept to the open space of the information society.
(video by Giorgos Papadopoulos)

Anastasios M. Perimenis