On Tuesday, March 28, the mandra of Kastrinos in Fakos was filled with children’s joy!
MedINA welcomed Ypsipyli – and the schools participating in the educational programme – in an experiential presentation of mandra’s agro-ecosystem, highlighting the ecological value of the rural landscape of Lemnos.
Based on MedINA’s research activity in recent years, we learned that more than 1000 plant species (16% of the Greek flora) and 222 bird species have been recorded in Lemnos, as well as an incredible wealth of crop landraces such as the Aspromytiko (“white-nose”) bean and Afkos.
We also discussed how human activity plays a key role for the conservation of this natural and cultural heritage, as long as it is practiced in a sustainable and traditional way. On the contrary, when the land is abandoned or intensively cultivated, biodiversity declines.
We talked about the mandra system, which is the core of Lemnian agricultural and pastoral life, supporting biodiversity and shaping the island’s unique landscape.
MedINA’s associates, Rafail Giannelis, ethnographer and Terra Graeca Project Officer in Lemnos, Danae Sfakianou, agronomist of the Terra Graeca Programme, and Fanourios-Nikolaos Sakellarakis, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Expert, spoke about all the above-mentioned topics.
We would like to extend a warm thank you to both Places & Traces and Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Lemnos for the invitation and the exceptional organization of the whole programme, as well as Mr. Panagiotis Kastrinos for hosting us in the mandra where the event took place.