Courseworks

Myths and reality about snow – ski centres: The case of Tzoumerka range
Abstract

The purpose of this study is the analysis of the requirements for the development of not only a simple winter ski center but rather an all-season activities park, open all year long in the area of Tzoumerka. A literature review about the evolution of ski-related activities in Greece is first presented. Then, the specifications for the establishment of winter ski centers are analyzed and useful information is given about the new centers, which are under development, additionally to the fifteen existing ones. In the following, the question whether the winter-ski tourism is a matter of development or degradation for a specific area is analyzed, the current practice is evaluated on the basis of previous case studies, existing infrastructure, information technology and networking, and an optimized land planning of a ski center in the Tzoumerka area is attempted, based on both spatial and economic criteria. The associations of the proposed project with the progress of constructions of the two main road networks (Egnatia odos and Ionia odos) are also examined. Finally, the objectives of the proposed development plan are described in detail and its feasibility is estimated.

In Workshop:
The prospect of gas storage in underground salt caverns in the Monolithi area
Abstract

The energy dependence of Greece on natural gas is expected to rise gradually in the following years. However, there is an absence of the necessary storage facilities that could support this. Therefore, the necessity of their construction becomes greater and greater. The present paper aims at studying the underground storage areas for natural gas, within artificial salt cavern complexes. It provides a general report on natural gas storage, mainly in the US and Europe. Furthermore, a review on the artificial creation of caverns within salt formations is presented. Key financial figures related to the construction cost as well as figures related to the potential of the underground storage areas are also shown. The geological characteristics of the appropriate formations are described. Finally, Epirus is discussed as a possible area for storing natural gas due to the existence of salt formations that could be used for this purpose, especially in the Monolithi area.

In Workshop:
The prospect of gas storage in underground salt caverns in the Monolithi area
Abstract

The energy dependence of Greece on natural gas is expected to rise gradually in the following years. However, there is an absence of the necessary storage facilities that could support this. Therefore, the necessity of their construction becomes greater and greater. The present paper aims at studying the underground storage areas for natural gas, within artificial salt cavern complexes. It provides a general report on natural gas storage, mainly in the US and Europe. Furthermore, a review on the artificial creation of caverns within salt formations is presented. Key financial figures related to the construction cost as well as figures related to the potential of the underground storage areas are also shown. The geological characteristics of the appropriate formations are described. Finally, Epirus is discussed as a possible area for storing natural gas due to the existence of salt formations that could be used for this purpose, especially in the Monolithi area.

In Workshop:
The road connection between Egnatia Odos motorway and the area of Tzoumerka
Abstract

In this report, it is tried to approach the case of the road connection between the Egnatia Odos motorway and the mountainous area of Tzoumerka. Firstly, the necessity for the construction of this road connection is explored, as far as its general importance for the wider region of Tzoumerka. Then, the existing condition of the road network of the region is indicated and the problems that locally occur are detected. Furthermore, an estimation of the environmental impacts of the project, regarding to its construction and its operation is projected. Finally, the cost of the realization of this road connection is presented and a comparison with other costs, like those of the vertical axes of Egnatia Odos and the maintenance of the existing road network, is attempted.

In Workshop:
Energy saving in vernacular buildings: The case of “Napoleon” hostel in Kalarrytes
Abstract

The possibilities of applying energy saving measures in vernacular buildings are examined in this paper. A traditional hostel, in the mountainous Greek village of Kalarrytes, is used as a case study.

The thermal losses of the hostel are initially calculated. After detecting the most crucial factors affecting the energy efficiency of the building, six different energy saving scenarios are formed. The amounts of the conserved energy, the costs, as far as the financial and environmental benefits of each scenario are, then, assessed.

In order to select the optimum energy saving scenario the technical, financial and environmental aspects of each case are being concerned.

Finally, general consumptions about energy saving in vernacular buildings are set out, based on the calculations and assessments made.

In Workshop:
Energy empowerment of remote livestock facilities by utilizing renewable energy sources με χρήση ανανεώσιμων πηγών ενέργειας
Abstract

In this study the possibility of covering the energy demands of pastoralists in the wider area of Tzoumerka range through the utilization of renewable energy resources is studied. At first, a short reference to the contribution of pastoralism in the area is made. Then the average of the essential energy demands is estimated in order to accommodate the stopover/ staying of the pastoralist on the mountain. The solar and wind potential of the area is specified accompanied with the respective sizing of autonomous systems of photovoltaics, small wind turbine and hybrid system. According to the cost-efficiency relationship, which is investigated for every single system, the best technological solution is applied. Finally, the appointment of the utilization of new technologies, such as the energy production from renewable sources, for the settlement of important social issues and the upgrading of the standard of living of pastoralists is pointed out. The factual support of the state is considered to be a prerequisite.

 

In Workshop:
Energy needs in Zagori and the current policy for mountainous areas
Abstract

The estimation of thermal energy consumption and the relevant costs in the residential and tourist sector in the area of Zagori is the main objective of the present paper. Moreover, the paper aims at highlighting the significance of the problem of energy sufficiency in the area, especially during a period of economic crisis characterized by increased diesel oil prices. The energy needs in seven settlements in the municipality of Zagori are calculated with respect to the climatic conditions and the characteristics of the buildings. A model of a typical hostel is also created, in order to assess its energy demand. In order to realize the intensity of energy costs in mountainous areas, a comparison of the energy and economic data between the area of Zagori and other areas with lower altitudes is accomplished. Furthermore, the benefits of the subsidy policy, as far as diesel oil is concerned, for the households are calculated. Due to the high fuel prices and the great energy demand in mountainous areas, it is assumed that in the region of Zagori the problem of energy poverty is extensive and cannot be issued by the existing policies. So, a set of measures is proposed – that should be a part of an efficient mountain policy – in the direction of supporting the seamless coverage of energy loads in houses and hotels.

In Workshop:
Developing new forms of enterprising in Zagori: the case study of herbs and aromatic plans
Abstract

Zagori is a place with a rich natural and cultural heritage. A typical example is the folk medicine tradition of the region with the famous “Vicoyiatroi”, which was based on the richness of the local flora. Nowadays, this forgotten tradition can be a trigger for developing new entrepreneurial activities, which could create job opportunities and keep young people in the area.

On this basis, this paper investigates the economic viability of a business idea regarding the trade of aromatic and medicinal plants in the region of Zagori. For the purposes of the survey, two alternative scenarios were considered namely, a self-employed business and a very small business, which differ in terms of the investment required, the size of the operation and the characteristics of sales.

In Workshop:
Public buildings in Zagori. From non-use to restoration
Abstract

The abandonment of buildings is typical of mountain areas, as a result of population decline, thus weakening the social structure. The changes that drained human life from the mountainous regions left vacant buildings or whole villages abandoned. The villages of Zagori region represent a net of settlements characterised by remarkable and well-preserved vernacular architecture. However, scattered throughout the region there are many buildings not housing any use that have been abandoned and already damaged at an important level. Some of these are rare examples of local architecture with significant cultural value at national level. In this study, the basic meanings of land, property and the importance of rehabilitation of public buildings are initially, compendiously, presented. The object of this study is the documentation of proposals for the re-use of some of the abandoned buildings in the region of Zagori. The proposed new uses are aiming at the area’s enhancement and the further development of the area’s attractiveness and value. The study is aiming at revealing the importance of re-using old buildings as well as at the utilization of proposed building uses as pilot case studies in the frame of  a general development plan for the rehabilitation of all existing abandoned buildings.

In Workshop:
Cultivating the land of Zagori: past, present and future
Abstract

In this paper, firstly, a  brief historical overview of the agricultural activities in the Municipality of Zagori is presented, secondly, the current situation is analyzed, and, finally, cultivation of new crops is proposed. The crops proposed (vines, vegetables, herbs, cranberries, berries, forage plants, chestnuts, walnuts) refer to species that existed and still exist in the region under consideration and considering current market data, they would constitute attractive investments. Emphasis is, further, given to the link  between agricultural production and tourism activity, the strengthening of the secondary sector and the promotion of local quality products, which can yield multiple benefits to the local economy. In the end, a proposal for a comprehensive land reform is made to address the difficulties and problems created by a number of factors, i.e. small lot, mountainous terrain, abandonment of the area and the aged population who presents certain difficulties in adapting to new conditions and novelties.

In Workshop: