6-10 June 2022 / Heraklion Crete Greece

Participants: 30 Teachers from the participants countries

Final aim is the promotion of ecosystem services and sustainable agriculture in cities and peri-urban natural areas in different European Countries. The course will address innovative methodologies presented in meaningful contexts in which the participants will experiment the strategies being directly involved in activities that activate, peer teaching, peer tutoring, formal and nonformal education and long life skills and competences for Sustainable Development, Biodiversity, geotourism and the other kinds of alternative tourism.

Day 1 – Monday 6 June 2022

Session : Green economy and its potentiality in relation to Natural Resources – Sharing of good practices in sustainable economy, biodiversity, agriculture in cities and natural areas in different European Countries. Get an overview of the trending innovative teaching methods and their benefits for the student learning process and attitude workshop : from theory to action

Day 2 – Thursday 7 June 2022

Session : : “Living sustainably: reducing our Ecological Footprint” to understand that the size of the “ecological footprint” varies from country to country and depends on lifestyle and consumption. Rural tourism on Crete

Outdoor Workshop: Ice Breaking activities to get to know each other. Exchange good practices and discuss challenges with fellow colleagues and the course trainers about innovative teaching methods and develop sustainable interdisciplinary lessons.

Day 3 – Wednesday 8 June 2022

Session : “From Farm to fork”

Workshop in an Agrotourism and in an winery, organic viticulture, a traditional dairy farm, an organic olive oil farm, farm full of organic vegetables, cooking class experience, based exclusively on Cretan traditions and taste, with fresh seasonal ingredients. During the whole tour, we will be escorted and guided by a local Sommelier, with a vast knowledge of Crete’s gastronomic history and culture.

Combining innovation and tradition, remaining environmentally accountable, olive oil farming in Crete is without a doubt a highlighted holiday activity. All production steps and details will be described thoroughly by experts, so one can discover the supreme characteristics of the Greek olive tree varieties and organic farming.

Celebrating our culture, nature, sustainable organic agriculture and amazing cuisine. This is the highlight activity of the trip, aiming to provide our guests with a complete view of Cretan Gastronomy. In detail, there will be a 1.30 hour cooking demonstration and discussion with the professional Chef Mavrakis at Kritamon in Archanes. He’s also an organic farmer and produces his own olive oil, olives, vinegar, etc. He also collects wild herbs and greens from the mountains and supports sustainable organic farmers, fishers, vintners and food producers in the region via his menu ingredients. Our group will be gathered around the beautiful herb garden where each plant and their uses in the recipes is going to be discussed. His demo will highlight a selection of typical Cretan dishes followed by a nice dinner.

Day 4 – Thursday 9 June 2022

Session : Exercise is medicine

Departure to Aorakia an indoor sports facility that can host major sporting events of international prestige (European and World) in the sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, Gymnastics, Gymnastics and Gymnastics , Wrestling, Fencing, Badminton, Table Tennis, Judo – Contact Sports, Weightlifting, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Sports for the Disabled.
Activities with students from different disabled primary and secondary schools organised by the Sport Sector of Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education of Heraklion.

Day 5 – Friday 10 June 2022

Session : “Love and know about the biodiversity”

Visit the Centre of Environmental in Anogeia. To implement educational activities for Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark. To participate in local activities of the authorities and other social groups, dealing with environmental issues and sustainable development.

The Psiloritis Geopark Information Centre operates in Anogeia, in an appropriately designed space, using dioramas and special applications to promote – highlight and inform on the activities available, and for the general promotion of the natural and cultural resources of the region, through permanent exhibitions and events. The main task of the Information Centre is to educate and sensitize visitors, students, teachers and social groups on the rational management of Psiloritis Geopark’s natural resources through specially planned visitation and tour programmes.

Welcome by the Mayor of the Municipality of Anogia

Experiential activities such as: miton architecture and their comparison with other dry stone structures, the life of the shepherd and his works in and around it, traditional cheese-making and production of cheese and mizithra by the shepherd, participation of teachers in the process.

Visit the Livestock and Dairy Cooperative of Anogia – Discussion with the breeders of the area and unaccompanied refugees. Sharing of good practices in sustainable economy, biodiversity and Cretan products.

We expect that teachers completing this course will be able to prepare learners, students to become true agents of environment changes , as well as Implement their skills and competences in social, economic, and environmental project analyses.