Interreg Euro-MED INSPIRE: Field Research and Event in Edessa

The field research and event of ANATOLIKI S.A.’s Interreg Euro-MED INSPIRE project were successfully carried out from 25 to 27 February 2026 in Edessa and the surrounding areas.

The main mission of the project “INSPIRE – Integrating Biodiversity Conservation and Agrobiodiversity Valorisation in Mediterranean Tourism” is to harness the potential of Mediterranean agrobiodiversity as a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative tourism. By strengthening local agri-food systems and promoting traditional knowledge, the project supports the integrated development of regions while safeguarding their cultural, environmental, and social heritage in rural areas.

ANATOLIKI’s study area is the Municipality of Edessa, which participates in the project as an associated partner.

The ANATOLIKI project team, consisting of Dr. Naya Tselepi (Project Manager), Renia Gkountiou, and Ioannis Eleftheriadis (Project Team Members), in cooperation with the Municipality of Edessa, implemented the first three-day joint action, which included field research in the study area and a stakeholder event. As part of the research, local stakeholders producing and/or processing local products were identified, as these can contribute to the development of a sustainable tourism model in the region.

On the first day, Wednesday 25 February, the team met with local producers from the Municipality of Almopia and explored the area’s characteristic products, such as cherries, red peppers, Karatzovitika peppers, and Dorothea leeks—key elements of the region’s agri-food identity. Meetings were also held with the Deputy Mayor for Everyday Affairs, Civil Protection and Environment, Mr. Ioannis Theologou, as well as with owners of local guesthouses and hospitality businesses, aiming to document the area’s existing tourism potential.

On the second day, Thursday 26 February, with the support of Dr. Evangelos Kyriakou, Head of Tourism of the Municipality of Edessa, and Ms. Lina Papadopoulou, the project team gained in-depth insight into the history of Edessa, its local products, and its producers through visits to the city’s weekly open-air market and local shops. The project team had the opportunity to directly engage with local production and document practices and narratives linking products to place. In the afternoon, the event entitled “Agri-food & Sustainable Tourism in the Municipality of Edessa” took place. The event was opened by the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Dr. Ioannis Tsakiris. Dr. Evangelos Kyriakou then presented the Municipality of Edessa’s actions and services in the field of tourism. Dr. Naya Tselepi presented the INSPIRE project and its mapping, networking, and local identity enhancement activities within the study area. Subsequently, Ioannis Eleftheriadis and Renia Gkountiou presented good practices in agri-food and sustainable tourism from Greece and across Europe. An open discussion followed on opportunities and next steps for cooperation, during which participating local stakeholders expressed questions, reflections, and proposals. Concluding the discussion, the ANATOLIKI team invited participants to actively engage in the project’s activities to promote an agri-food-based and sustainable tourism model for the region.

On the third and final day, Friday 27 February, the ANATOLIKI team visited Arnissa, where meetings were held with local food businesses. A highlight was the visit to the Women’s Cooperative of Voras, where the cooperative’s activities and traditional products -prepared with care and respect for local tradition- were presented. The field research concluded with a presentation of the story of the “Choirou tou Pasifilou” (The Pig of Pasifilos), an award-winning and emblematic local narrative that connects gastronomy with cultural heritage. The team also had the opportunity to taste local pork-based delicacies presented by chef Christos Karamitsos.

INSPIRE brings together 8 partners from 5 Mediterranean countries, combining public authorities, tourism boards, NGOs, and sustainability experts. Each partner contributes local knowledge and thematic expertise to co-develop, test, and scale the project’s solutions.