International arrivals bring fresh ideas to Divri

Fresh ideas to Divri (Lampeia) in mountainous Ancient Olympia

A group of young scientists from abroad recently arrived in Divri  in order to conduct studies concerning the local development of this remote corner of the Elis regional unit in Western Greece.

At present, the team consists of Vugar Mamedov from Azerbaijan –marketing manager and eco-consultant, Laila Abouhalim from Morocco – management and social entrepreneurship consultant, Norbert Tóth from Hungary – rural developer and agricultural engineer, and Alexia Karageorgis from Cyprus – cultural and natural heritage researcher, with 3 new participants expected to be joining over the next few weeks. Their work, supported by Erasmus Interns, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, and SEED EURO-MED programs, will be completed within 3 months.

The projects being conducted by this team of eager young scientists are co-ordinated by the Local Development Centre “Dione” and the local social enterprise “Eco Divri” and its president, Kostas Panagoulis. Additional support will be provided by the Holy Metropolis of Elis, whilst outreach to local schools and the local community in general is also a key factor in data collection and dissemination of findings.

The results of the studies will be reported in relevant papers, with regular progress updates appearing in local news media, both of which will be made available to the local community at no cost. The aim of this is to provide opportunities for the application of the findings and provide a basis for further studies to help improve the standard of living in this underexploited region.

Meetings with local authorities and other notable persons, and participation in cultural activities, such as Greek dance classes, are already underway, helping to integrate the newcomers into the village and provide insights to the challenges that the local community faces.

Direct communication with the local community as a means of encouraging dialogue and participation is integral to the achievement of significant and applicable findings, which can provide clear guidelines for future local development.

 Alexia Karageorgis

Cultural & Natural Heritage Researcher, in collaboration with Vaso Charitopoulou (head of “Dione” in Ancient Olympia)

email: alexiakarageorgis@hotmail.com

photos: Kostas Panagoulis, “Eco Divri” social enterprise