The cooperatives’ institution lies on the borderline of a series of crucial changes. In Zagori region the existence of cooperatives in the past has been decisive for local development. However, in the current social frame the cooperatives’ institution seems degenerated and weakened. Could the strengthening of cooperatives’ institution function as a key component of a robust development of Zagori, in particular, and of mountainous areas, in general? The present study documents the need to modify the current way under which cooperatives function and highlights their implicit role in the social, economic and cultural development of mountain areas, in general, through the case study of the Zagori region’s cooperatives. Through the brief presentation of local history, physical geography of Zagori is correlated to its human geography, aiming at revealing the first cooperatives’ activity range and initial influences; cooperatives that appear either in the form of cultural groups (e.g. Sarakatsani) or of groups of traders (e.g. isnafia). Their idioms and their characteristics are described as binding elements among their members. Current cooperatives active in the area are also presented, as well as the causes of their degeneration in addition with  proposals on measures for their  adjustment to current socioeconomic frame. Through the analysis, new forms of social structures are revealed, regarding local communities in Zagori; such that could act as means of economic independence, autonomy and social liberation.