On March 1, 2026, the HERIT ADAPT project hosted a dedicated Citizen Engagement Event at the Public Historical Library of Andritsaina, bringing together approximately 30 local citizens, municipal representatives, and experts to collectively explore the future of Andritsaina’s cultural heritage and sustainable development.
As a central point of reference for the region, the iconic Temple of Apollo Epicurius served as a chief point of discussion. The event aimed to strengthen the connection between the area’s unique cultural assets and a sustainable tourism model capable of generating long-term benefits for the local community, through their unique and personal contributions on the day.
During the session, participants were introduced to the advanced digital preservation work carried out by the Industrial Systems Institute of the ATHENA Research Center (ISI-ATHENA), including the use of drone technology and 3D modelling techniques to document and safeguard the Temple. In addition, examples of sustainable tourism practices from other Mediterranean regions were presented, offering valuable inspiration and comparative insights and promoting EU Cohesion Policy.
The core of the event was an interactive workshop, where attendees actively contributed ideas and practical proposals. Through collaborative discussion, participants identified actionable strategies to enhance tourism development in Andritsaina, focusing on digital innovation, place branding, sports and cultural events, and infrastructure improvements. The high level of engagement and the quality of the ideas generated underscored the community’s strong commitment and shared vision for positioning Andritsaina as a model for sustainable tourism.
The event was made possible through the collaboration of Interreg Volunteer Youth, the Region of Western Greece, the Municipality of Andritsaina, the European Public Law Organization (EPLO), ISI-ATHENA, and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ileia.
This Citizen Engagement Event marks another important step in HERIT ADAPT’s participatory approach, reinforcing the role of local communities as key actors in shaping resilient, heritage-driven futures.
