Network of Greek paths wins Europa Nostra award
A network of walking paths known as the “Greek Paths of Culture” of the Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET) has won a Europa Nostra heritage award in the education, training and awareness-raising category.
“The project has a large community base, involving many local municipalities and local NGOs,” the Europa Nostra jury wrote about the Greek Paths of Culture.
“The importance of communal maintenance of access ways is underlined and the contribution of this to the economic sustainability and the growth of local enterprises is reinforced.”
The Greek Paths of Culture, a project by non-profit NGO Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET), has overhauled 658 kilometers of historically significant footpaths across Greece, in a mission to revitalize once-picturesque footpaths that have been abandoned or overgrown with vegetation.
ELLET has engaged local community members, schools and volunteers for 47 years to assist in restoring the environment. Today, the Greek Paths of Culture connects 13 areas in Greece
The Greek Paths of Culture network was chosen from among 149 applications submitted from 34 European countries.
The award was announced on Tuesday by the European Commission and Europa Nostra.
Launched by the European Commission in 2002, the Europa Nostra award promotes heritage conservation, management and education across the continent. Up to 30 awards are given out each year, and each winner receives a certificate and plaque.