Courseworks

Discovering the Outlaws’ Valley
Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to propose and investigate the financial viability of sustainable development activities in the area of Gavrogo and Acheloos Valley. Initially, the characteristics of nature-based, hiking and adventure tourism are analyzed. A short description of the area of study is also made. Then, three actions for developing tourism in the area are analyzed, followed by a feasibility study. The main guiding principle, on which the whole issue was set, is the rebirth of mountainous Greece, by formulating sustainable development activities, in order to create new opportunities for people, seeking to settle in mountainous areas and live near nature. The study indicates that local authorities can attract fairly enough visitors in the area of Gavrogo and Acheloos’ Valley by allocating low budget funds and by adopting the proper and correctly targeted strategies.

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Integrated management of olive trees cultivation in the Georgios Karaiskakis Municipality
Abstract

In the present paper the current situation of the olive sector in the world, in Greece and in the Municipality of Georgios Karaiskakis are firstly analyzed. Some important issues are presented, regarding the management of the crop of the olive trees and then, proposals are made for the integrated management of the olives in the municipal department of Heraklia in the Georgios Karaiskakis Municipality. Through the proposals, it is aimed to increase the farmers' income, the employment and the cohesion in this isolated and mountainous Municipality. Taking advantage of the key benefits, such us the history of the region and the new trends and technologies for the management of the olive, conclusions are made and solutions are proposed in order to improve the current situation.

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Standardization and processing of chestnut products
Abstract

The Municipality of Georgios Karaiskakis is covered by large areas of chestnut trees, as the soil and climatic conditions are favorable for its growth. Nevertheless, the production of chestnut is lower than the potential output and, further, it lacks standardization and processing operations. As a result, the product is sold under disadvantageous conditions (mainly in low wholesale prices). Considering the above-mentioned remarks, the paper examines the financial viability of a standardization and processing unit towards producing chestnut products (namely chestnut sweets and jam and frozen marrons). The analysis indicates that the proposed unit is feasible from a financial point of view and offers a satisfying additional income. On this basis, the proposed plan may provide the first, though significant, step to foster the chestnut activity and create employment and added value in the region.

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Feasibility Study for the utilization of briarwood
Abstract

The soil and climatic conditions of the Municipality of Georgios Karaiskaki are favorable for the growth of Erica, a native plant which is used in the region in therapeutic botanology, in apiculture, as well as in the manufacturing of small wooden items, like those of high quality tobacco pipes.

Taking into consideration the above-mentioned remarks, the present paper explores the terms and conditions in setting up an individual enterprise that would process briar root for making semi-finished smoking pipes. According to the financial analysis, the activity appears to bring in a satisfactory income for the self-employed producer, but only as part-time job. To further develop this sector, a number of actions are required on a cooperative basis, vertical integration of production and product certification. Towards this direction, the Municipality of Georgios Karaiskakis, the Region of Epirus and governmental authorities should take the lead in providing counseling and economic support services to local producers.

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Feasiblity study of a pellet manufacturing unit
Abstract

In this study the dominance of diesel oil as heating fuel is, firstly, described. The shift, observed in recent years, towards alternative forms of heating and their advantages are also mentioned.  The definition of biomass and its value as a renewable energy source, as well as its characteristics and the benefits arising from its use are presented. 

The core of the work includes the investigation of the possibility of installing a pellet manufacturing unit in the Georgios Karaiskakis Municipality, Greece. The technical characteristics of the unit and the stages of production are, intitially, described. A feasibility analysis, based on analytical investment cost data and different scenarios of production, is conducted. The results show that the investment is viable and attractive and it could enhance the development perspectives of the area.

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Designing a creamery in the Georgios Karaiskakis Municipality
Abstract

Terrain condition of the Municipality of G. Karaiskakis are favourable for livestock farming and, nowadays, an important part of the population is engaged in these activities. Considering the characteristics of the study area and of the Greek cheese making industry, this paper analyzes from a financial viewpoint the viability of a small-sized cheese making unit that will produce two cheese products, namely feta and graviera and two by-products, i.e. butter and mizithra cheese. The selection of the products was based on a SWOT analysis (products with high demand, offered at attractive prices) and financial requirements (mainly to keep the investment cost at affordable levels). The results of the deterministic and stochastic financial analysis show that the proposed investment will be profitable. Nevertheless, it is evident that the final outcome will depend on the organizational actions that should be made on the basis of a realistic strategic plan.

 

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The Renewable Energy Resources of the Georgios Karaiskakis Municipality
Abstract

The Georgios Karaiskakis municipality, like most mountainous regions, are endowed with considerable renewable energy potential. In this paper, an attempt is made to determine its potential and to investigate the reasons and possibilities of its exploitation. The utilization of the available resources could be viewed as an element at the basis of which the development of the region will be enhanced, with primary objective the protection of natural environment but also as an opportunity to stop facing the risk of energy poverty.

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Energy saving interventions in municipal buildings of the Georgios Karaiskakis Municipality
Abstract

The possibilities of applying energy saving measures in municipal buildings are examined in this paper. Two municipal buildings, in the mountainous Municipality of Georgios Karaiskakis are used as case studies.

The thermal losses of the buildings and the relative energy demand for cooling and heating are initially calculated. A number of different energy saving scenarios, related both to the building envelope and to the electromechanical systems of each of the buildings, are formed. In order to select the optimum energy saving scenario technical and financial are concerned. Finally, some general conclusions about energy improvement of municipal buildings are set out, based on the findings of the study. 

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Treating water quality problems in the Municipality of G. Karaiskakis
Abstract

Water is a public good, a natural and biological element, a unique and distinctive natural resource. Local communities have to play a significant role in the conservation and development of this natural resource, while considering the challenge faced, not only as an obligation but as an entitlement, as well. In this paper it is tried to give prominence to the importance of water for the man himself. In a region where overabundance in spring waters, due to increased rainfall and water basins has been observed, it is unacceptable for the drinking water to be of dubious quality and to be considered as a peril for the public health. Thus, a chlorination system has been proposed and priced for the community of Astrochori, which is going to lead the rest of the regions by example.

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Wastewater management in mountainous settlements: A case study in Panagia Diasellou
Abstract

The appropriate management and treatment of wastewater, before their disposal, are essential for every society. In Greece, especially in small and isolated rural areas, the lack of drainage infrastructure and wastewater treatment systems is a frequent phenomenon.

This paper deals with the wastewater management of a mountainous settlement in the municipality of Georgios Karaiskakis; Panagia Diasellou. This settlement faces problems due to the lack of drainage infrastructure and septic tanks. Initially, the appropriate treatment methods for small settlements are presented and then the most proper one is selected. Finally, the sewage processing units are measured for two different scenarios and the optimum alternative is selected according to the total investment cost.

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