The island of Chios (Greece) hosted the 2nd Local Thematic Workshop of the MED-GIAHS project from March 26th to 30th, 2025, focusing on the traditional mastiha agroecosystem—one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Mediterranean—as a potential Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) site.
The workshop brought together more than 25 participants, including local mastiha producers, representatives of local and regional authorities, tourism professionals, and key institutional stakeholders such as the Hellenic Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, and the FAO-GIAHS Secretariat.
A Participatory and Immersive Experience
The event combined formal sessions and immersive fieldwork, beginning with preparatory visits and co-creation activities on March 26–27. These included hands-on engagement with mastiha farmers, agrotourism hosts, and cultural heritage professionals—laying the foundation for developing authentic tourism experiences rooted in the island’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
On March 28th, the first day of the workshop took place at the Chios Chamber of Commerce, an Associate Partner of the project. Key topics included:
- Presentation of the MED-GIAHS Strategy for Sustainable Tourism
- Review and discussion of the Joint Guide for the Definition of Action Plans
- Introduction to the candidate GIAHS site and the vision for its recognition
Notably, the workshop was enriched by the active contribution of Mrs. Aimilia Drouga, FAO-GIAHS accredited representative of the Hellenic Ministry of Environment.
Deepening Local Engagement
The second day, held on March 29th at the Chios Mastic Museum in Pyrgi, deepened the participatory process through:
- A follow-up review of the Joint Guide’s revised draft
- An extended hands-on session where participants refined six tourism experience proposals through interactive A2 maps and group discussion
- Presentation of the tourism product information sheet to guide future implementation
The evening continued with informal co-creation dialogues with local stakeholders including farmers, artisans, accommodation owners, and cultural guides—demonstrating strong community interest in shaping the island’s sustainable tourism future.
Fieldwork and Local Encounters
The final day of the visit, March 30th, was dedicated to fieldwork in the northern part of the island, including Mount Aipos and the village of Pitios. Encounters with traditional bakers, herbal experts, and rural residents further enriched the contextual understanding of Chios’ rich agricultural heritage.
This 2nd Local Workshop represents a crucial step in co-developing tourism offerings that respect and elevate the unique landscape of mastiha cultivation in Chios, aligning with the broader MED-GIAHS objectives of sustainable rural development and heritage preservation.
