News from the MARGISTAR Extended Core Group Meeting in Sofia
The recent MARGISTAR Extended Core Group meeting in Sofia gathered leaders from the project’s working groups to assess progress, address ongoing challenges, and outline plans for the next phase of the COST Action. Participants engaged in productive discussions, generating fresh ideas for enhancing community engagement and improving dissemination efforts. Among the key topics was the presentation of case studies and the launch of new tools to support sustainable development. A field visit to Gabrene showcased how local communities are successfully integrating cultural heritage with environmental sustainability to revitalise the region.
Overcoming the Challenges of Crete’s Marginalised Mountains
Crete, the largest island of Greece, is facing significant environmental challenges. Once covered in dense forests, the island's mountainous areas are today severely degraded due to overgrazing, fires, and soil erosion. However, with strategic restoration efforts, there is hope for revitalising these marginalised landscapes. Read more about the Asterousia range and the ancient village of Ethia to better understand local initiatives in Crete's mountains.
Creating the MARGISTAR Vision Workshop
Participating in a Virtual Mobility last June with Dublin City University was a pivotal experience for MARGISTAR’s Irene Christoforidi in designing the MARGISTAR Vision Workshop. This workshop aims to engage stakeholders in marginalised mountainous communities across the EU, enabling them to imagine future possibilities and develop actionable strategies for overcoming marginalisation challenges. Read on to better understand the outputs of this collaboration between Greece and Ireland and the budding initiative for community transformation in marginalised mountain areas.
Empowering Women and Marginalised Groups in Serbia’s Mountains: Harnessing Natural Resources and Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Success
In the rural mountainous areas of Serbia, women face significant challenges due to traditional patriarchal norms. These norms have long marginalised women, limiting their participation in economic activities outside the household and excluding them from decision-making processes both at home and within their communities. Despite legal prohibitions against gender discrimination, women in these regions still face substantial barriers to achieving equality.
Wild Mushrooms: A Chance for Marginalised Mountain Regions in Serbia
In Serbia, particularly in rural and mountainous regions, mushroom collection has emerged as a crucial economic activity. Nutrient-dense mushrooms, packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, are harvested both for personal consumption and commercial sales. This activity bolsters local economies, preserves traditional knowledge, and enhances community bonds, proving to be a valuable pursuit for many rural residents.
From Cities to Peaks: How Serbia’s Mountain and Rural Tourism is Changing for the Better
Serbia's tourism sector, traditionally focused around major cities, is increasingly highlighting its mountainous regions. These areas are becoming prominent tourism hubs due to their natural beauty and opportunities for activities such as hiking, skiing, and ecotourism. The rich natural resources in these regions support various outdoor activities, including hunting. Find out how mountain tourism, alongside spa and wellness tourism, plays a crucial role in Serbia's overall tourism development, helping diversify rural livelihoods and improve local economic conditions.
