In 2023, Zagori was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural landscape of outstanding universal value. Its stone-built villages, traditional architecture, and centuries-old interaction between people and nature stand as a living example of harmony between culture and environment.
MedINA, in collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, UNESCO’s Venice Office (Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe) and the organisation Interpret Europe, is now taking the next step: transforming Zagori into a “learning landscape” in a participatory, open and inclusive manner, accessible to all.
The project “Zagori as a gateway for open and reflective interpretative action – ZAGORIA” is implemented within the framework of the initiative “Enhancing UNESCO designated sites as Learning Landscapes”. Its goal is to support local communities and visitors in exploring the values of heritage, sustainability, and dialogue through an innovative approach to the interpretation of World Heritage Sites.
Through training courses, participatory workshops and field research, the project will map and highlight the unique qualities of selected villages in Eastern Zagori. Residents, associations, and local organisations will share their knowledge, experiences and stories, contributing to the development of an “interpretation strategy” – a new way of presenting and communicating the area’s cultural and natural treasures. In this way, the lesser-known Eastern Zagori will have the opportunity to present, in an integrated and participatory way, its living agro-food heritage and traditional local activities.
The project contributes to the Management Plan of the Zagori Cultural Landscape, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Culture, the Region of Epirus and the Municipality of Zagori. At the same time, through this effort, Zagori is connected with other World Heritage areas in Austria, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Romania, and Slovenia, building international bridges.
Ultimately, ZAGORIA will not only strengthen the protection and promotion of the area but also serve as a model for how cultural landscapes can become open classrooms for all.
The project “Zagori as a gateway for open and reflective interpretative action – ZAGORIA”, implemented within the “Enhancing UNESCO designated sites as Learning Landscapes” initiative of UNESCO and Interpret Europe, is carried out by MedINA with the financial support of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and UNESCO’s Venice Office, and with the support of Interpret Europe.