Association for the Protection of Asterousia

The Association for the Protection of Asterousia (APA) was founded approximately 10 years ago and consists of a group of people who not only feel a deep attachment to the area, but are also acutely aware of its value.

It was this very group, with the participation of the composer Thanos Mikroutsikos, which decided to establish the Association. The Chairman of its Board of Directors is the former Deputy Regional Governor of Crete, Mrs. Theano Vrentzou Skordalaki, and its purpose is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural wealth of Asterousia.

The role that the APA plays in the inclusion of Asterousia into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves is of great importance. Indeed, the APA is the body that submitted the proposal for the inclusion of the region into the UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere Program”.

In this effort, they had the support of Mr. Arnaoutakis, Regional Governor; the National Committee for the “Man and the Biosphere Program”; Mr. Skoullos, as well as Mrs. Tzitzikosta, the President of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO. The executives of Heraklion Development Agency also had an important role to play, along with the group of experts who drafted the proposal.

At the same time, the APA launched a series of activities, such as conferences, workshops, and cultural events in order to raise awareness and make the public an active part of the effort to include the region into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

It is extremely important for everyone to participate in preserving this sacred region and fostering its rich environment. After all, the benefits and opportunities created by the inclusion of the region in the UNESCO World Network would not only benefit the inhabitants of Asterousia, but Crete as a whole.