Following an invitation from the Society of Andriots of Sciences to our organization, we presented our activities at the hybrid conference titled “Sustainable Tourism Development in Andros: Reality and Prospects,” which took place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October 2025 in Gavrio.
The conference included a participatory workshop and presentations by scientists, entrepreneurs, and representatives of local and national institutions.

As part of our presentation titled “Andros Research Center and Andros Routes: Sustainable Tourism for the Preservation of Andros’ Rural Landscape – Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities,” Olga Karagianni outlined the historical evolution of our organization’s work, highlighting in particular the Andros Routes initiative, which this year celebrates 15 years of activity, as well as complementary actions related to the preservation of rural heritage and the support of the primary sector, which our organization has been implementing from the pandemic period up to today.

During the presentation, the following points were emphasized:

• Major achievements, such as establishing Andros as a quality hiking destination through the European “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” certification for the 100 km continuous crossing “Andros Route”.

• The ongoing challenge of consistent and sustainable maintenance of the hiking network, which today extends to 240 km, supported by a volunteer team and field workers.

• The current lack of institutional protection for the trails, with one example being a certified section under threat of encroachment.

• The urgent need for the Municipality of Andros to take action toward the institutional safeguarding of the hiking network, ensuring the protection of this invaluable resource currently at risk.

Overall, the presentation highlighted the potential revival of the rural landscape through synergies between the primary sector and sustainable tourism, creating opportunities for the economic and moral support of residents and local producers, and for authentic experiences through increased visitation to production and processing sites.

Regarding our ongoing research, promotion, and preservation actions related to the rural heritage of Andros, we presented the organization’s work during the 2020–present period, including:

• The recording of rural heritage elements through an EU-funded (ESPA) project, documenting numerous points of interest and dry-stone construction damages, the results of which were delivered to the Municipality of Andros for inclusion in a recently approved restoration initiative by OFYPEKA.

• Complementary initiatives under the Cycladic Identity project and other collaborations (such as workshops, local producers’ maps, and environmental programs including Lemon, SNP, CPF Water, and Green Fund Water).

• Points of support and cooperation with local cultural associations and environmental bodies.

Below you can find a summary of our presentation — the valuable lessons learned over the past 16 years at the Andros Research Center, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Some key points we addressed in our presentation:

16 years in the Andros field – What have we learned?
• The rural landscape of Andros offers invaluable “raw materials” for the creation of tourism “products” and experiences. Key partners in this process are local producers and cultural associations, who are crucial custodians of heritage.
• The hiking network is a vital resource for immersion — a key to understanding, interpreting, and connecting with the tangible and intangible natural and cultural heritage — and an important platform for research, education, and awareness-raising.
• The management and maintenance of hiking networks require:

• a high degree of commitment, and

• a stable, long-term structure for monitoring, cleaning, and maintaining trail signage.
  • Local volunteering spreads engagement and cultivates awareness of heritage preservation, while also functioning as a monitoring and caretaking mechanism for both natural and cultural heritage.

What do we consider crucial?
• Developing tourism “products” and activities aligned with the identity of Andros and connected with its existing resources. Tourism promotion and success stem from the care of existing assets.
• Highlighting and integrating local agricultural activity, linking the active rural landscape with both permanent and seasonal visitors and the tourism sector. There can be no destination sustainability without a connection to the primary sector.
• Utilizing and transforming research on natural resources and living traditions into creative actions for residents and visitors, involving village cultural associations and other local bodies such as the Andros Environmental Education Center (KEPAA).
• Tourism should serve the sustainability of Andros – not the other way around.

The presentation concluded with our organization’s proposal that Andros should pursue the higher-level European certification “Leading Quality Region – Best of Europe,” recognizing it as a certified hiking destination. This process will require collaboration among key sectors of the island, including accommodation and catering businesses, the commercial sector, local government, and cultural organizations.

A roundtable discussion followed.

We sincerely thank the Society of Andriots of Sciences for the invitation and for fostering such a meaningful dialogue through the organization of this conference.