In this  paper, measures for preventing  and treating  the effects  of  landslides  in the mountainous area of Μetsovo are proposed. Initially, two existing landslides are studied and the corresponding geotechnical solutions are proposed. Each project is described extensively, followed by cost analysis. Then, policies and  projects to  reduce landslide danger are analyzed. As far as geotechnical projects are concerned, an analysis on their effectiveness regarding landslides confrontation is conducted. One of these projects is the water drainage system, the construction of which is described extensively.

Despite the relatively high cost, required for handling landslide phenomena, their importance for the local society is particularly high. Protection from landslides through the appropriate interventions is a prerequisite for the development of the new, geographically broader municipality of Metsovo.

The sudden and continuous changes in conditions that constitute our current socioeconomic reality made the need to redefine our development options more obvious. In the present study we are in search of regional development actions for a particular mountainous region, the new Municipality of Metsovo, based on the fact that a fundamental component in searching of the best development actions is envisioning an alternative future. These actions are identified by the dreams, the aspirations, the fears and the needs of the municipality's residents. Grounded theory was used to guide the collection and analysis of data. The research tools that were used, are: participant observation, in depth interviews, focus groups and content analysis. The analysis of research data highlighted the different representations of future development according to the specific conditions of each region, as well as the differentiation between preferred and expected development goals.

The present study aims at investigating an important economic sector of Metsovo Municipality, namely the potato cultivation at the Politses plateau, in Chrisovitsa. Towards this direction, a field survey was conducted by means of structured interviews from a representative sample of potato producers. The results prove that the potato cultivation in the area of interest constitutes an important economic activity for the local community. Some particular characteristics of Chrisovitsa potato crop, such as the altitude of the plateau, the quality of irrigation water and the cultivation period, give the product a clear advantage in the market. Besides advantages, however, the economic activity encounters serious difficulties. Nevertheless, it seems that the future could be promising, provided that specific measures are undertaken.

Measures of energy saving at the building of MIRC, in Metsovo are examined in this paper. The main aim of the paper is to highlight the particularly positive impacts of energy saving interventions on buildings found in mountainous settlements.

After estimating the energy efficiency of the building of MIRC, according to the Buildings Energy Efficiency Regulation, a set of energy saving interventions is formed. The technical characteristics of these interventions, as well as their costs are estimated. Moreover, an assessment of the economic performance of them is conducted and their environmental impacts are estimated.

It is proved that the economic and environmental performance of energy saving measures in mountainous areas is greater than in areas at lower altitudes, due to the increased energy demand of mountainous settlements. The use of traditional  structural materials, combined with sufficient insulation compose the basis for high energy performance  of buildings at mountainous settlements. Thus, the requirement for high energy efficiency can be compatible with retaining the vernacular architectural character of mountainous areas.

Metsovo, Anilio and the surrounding area gather all the main natural generative causes that justify the area’s characterization as a landslide zone of high risk. The main responsible causes for the manifestation of landslides are: The impacts of surface and groundwaters, the gradient increase as well as the height of natural declivities and finally the load increase that different areas sustain. These causes appear frequently and the landslides are often and diachronically manifested as well, occasionally with important damages and destructions. Certain actions and works are proposed for the decrease of landslide risk: a) Direct, without substantial financial cost b) Direct, with minor cost c) Medium-long term works of high cost.

The residential development in mountain areas is explored in this paper. The town of Metsovo is used as a case study. The main purpose of this paper is to use remote sensing imagery and GIS for detecting land use changes that have occurred in the study area since 1950. The images were geometrically corrected by the use of ERMapper software and georeferenced in ArcGIS environment, along with other related map data. Changes in constructions and urban expansion were determined using overlay analysis and a series of maps showing these changes was generated. The results obtained from  the study area indicate that the use of this methodology can be further applied to similar cases in mountainous areas.

Vernacular architecture constitutes a special element of any local place. One important threat of it is the unsuccessful mixture and placement of architectural elements and new buildings into the traditional settlement. The mountainous town of Metsovo represents a typical example of a degraded settlement, due to irrational growth. Many districts of it are characterized by an aesthetic and functional degradation. Year after year, urban type buildings seem to consume space over a formerly strong local architectural tradition. The main street of Metsovo that leads from the town’s entrance to the central square is characterized by a severe degradation of its architectural identity. Fourteen buildings along it have been studied. Their main facades’ renovation is presented in this paper along with its analytical cost accounting. Photos of the current buildings’ situation along with perspective drawings of the design proposals are presented. The main causes of the architectural degradation are pointed out. Design proposals being in accordance with the existing building uses are characterized by relatively low cost, thus successfully confronting the main argument against their realization. Through the design procedure’s analysis and documentation a methodology of handling similar design issues is being developed.

The thriving natural environment of Metsovo favors the development and promotion of alternative forms of tourism, such as trekking tourism. In this paper, conversation with local people, especially the older ones, willing to share with the author their knowledge and experiences, drew a very good picture of the basic routes and paths that the habitats of Metsovo used for a long time in the past. The 20th century’s significant changes, in terms of communication and transfer, contributed to the abandonment or the total destruction of many old routes.

Aiming at shedding light to these forgotten routes, the route between Metsovo and Anilio was chosen to be recorded. The depiction of the route was done with the use of a hand GPS. Appropriate software was used for the route to be embossed on a map. The use of applications such as palmtops for a safer tour and getting better information could boost trekking tourism.

The current study deals with the life of young people in the mountainous regions of Greece, especially in the area of Metsovo. The future of this area depends heavily on the doings of the young people of the area. Goals included in this study are the investigation of the relationship of the young generation with the local physical and social environment. Also, it aims in revealing the aspiration of the young generations of this area, as well as disclosing the forces that affect the scattering of young people. The study was performed by employing codified questionnaires addressed to students of the local Lyceum (high school). Statistical evaluation of the data was performed by using the SPSS software. The results show that the young generation feels a deep affection for the local traditions. However, it seems that a critical core of goals of the young people, in combination with the mass modernized way of life put young people before the dilemma: to leave their home in order to gain education, accomplice a professional carrier, and experience a broader entertainment, or to remain at home continuing the traditional way of life. It seems, therefore necessary that local society recognize the problems and desires of the young generations. In this way the above mentioned dilemma could be resolved in favor of both the young people as well as the local society.

The present study focuses on the evaluation of Investment Laws 2601/98 and 3299/2004 in the Municipality of Metsovo, in total and by economic sector, in relation to the economic model of the area. More particularly, the basic characteristics of the eligible investments are analyzed and their effects on economic growth are investigated, using appropriate sectoral multipliers estimated from the input-output table of the Greek economy. The emphasis is given on two principal parameters, namely income and employment growth, which constitute a key objective of the economic development framework.