Corfu, April 3 – The Episkepsi Community, located within the Municipality of North Corfu, has achieved a significant milestone by officially becoming a member of the ANIMA TERRA International Network. This development is hailed as a substantial success with clear developmental and cultural implications for the region.
Episkepsi Recognized as an Authentic Rural Model
The decision to include Episkepsi in the ANIMA TERRA network is particularly symbolic. The community has been recognized as an authentic model of a rural community, possessing a strong identity, rich natural resources, and a vibrant cultural heritage. This recognition underscores Episkepsi’s potential for sustainable growth and the preservation of its unique character.
What is ANIMA TERRA?
The ANIMA TERRA program, meaning “Soul of the Earth,” is an initiative spearheaded by the “Olive Roads” Cultural Organization, which holds recognition from UNESCO. This program serves as a modern tool for the reconstruction and revitalization of rural areas. With the backing of the Central Union of Chambers of Greece, ANIMA TERRA aims to establish a new model of sustainable development.
Goals of the ANIMA TERRA Network
The primary objectives of the ANIMA TERRA network are multifaceted:
- Highlighting Local Identity: Emphasizing and celebrating the distinct cultural and historical identity of each participating community.
- Protecting Cultural Heritage: Safeguarding and promoting the rich cultural assets and traditions inherent in these rural areas.
- Strengthening Entrepreneurship: Boosting local economic activities, particularly through the development of thematic tourism, which leverages the unique characteristics of each community.
Already, dozens of communities across Greece have become part of this network, creating a new collaborative map for the Greek countryside. This collaboration draws upon the international expertise derived from the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and the extensive experience of the “Olive Roads” organization.
The integration of Episkepsi into this network is expected to bring numerous benefits, including enhanced visibility, access to shared knowledge and best practices, and opportunities for funding and partnerships that will support its sustainable development goals.
The Municipality of North Corfu, in its official announcement, expressed optimism about the positive impact this membership will have on the Episkepsi Community and the broader region.
The ANIMA TERRA network represents a collective effort to ensure that rural communities can thrive while preserving their invaluable heritage, offering a model for other regions facing similar challenges and opportunities.
