Courseworks

Karaeskakis – Digital development of the ‘Georgios Karaiskakis’ Municipality
Abstract

The rural areas, which within the Greek territory are mainly mountainous and/ or remote, utilize a small extent of the modern tools of information and communication technology (ICT). In contrast, in urban areas such tools, though recently introduced, are not only employed but also rapidly evolving. The evolution of technology towards mobile devices has led to the development of tools that leverage their potential for various purposes. At the same time, a new trend has arisen, according to which the citizens are invited to actively contribute in some activities through specifically developed mechanisms, and is called “crowdsourcing”. In the present paper, the possibilities of digital technology, mobile devices and crowdsourcing have been combined in order to develop a custom application in accordance to the special attributes of the ‘Georgios Karaiskakis’ Municipality. An application which will give the residents/ visitors the opportunity to record various problems that are detected and need to be resolved, providing valuable support to the local authorities.

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Expectations of the youth in the Georgios Karaiskakis Municipality
Abstract

The present study examines the life of young people in the mountain regions of Greece, using the Georgios Karaiskakis Municipality as a case study. Considering the recreation and development of Georgios Karaiskakis area, someone can understand the importance of the youth. The study aims to record the daily lives, difficulties, concerns, thoughts and dreams of young people. The youth feels disappointed by the absence of residents and children, and the lack of health, education, and entertainment facilities. On the other side, the students seemed to have special powerful bond with their homeland and expressed their desire to stay there in the future.

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The multifunctional plain
Abstract

Τhe present paper, first, analyzes the existing agricultural activity in the plain of Kallikratian Municipality of Pogoni that is found in the municipal units of Ano Kalama and Kalpaki and, then, it evaluates from a financial point of view two new cultivation proposals. The first one concerns greenhouse tomato production with conventional production and with the use of hydroponic growing systems. The second proposal refers to the cultivation of hop. The cultivation proposals are considered state of the art in agricultural field. Moreover, as far as the production of tomatoes is concerned, the demand of the product and the relatively short distance Ioannina (<40km) appear to be significant advantages. According to the results of the financial analysis, the cultivation proposals are of particular interest and they could constitute an attractive alternative primarily for the development of the plain of Ano Kalama and Kalpaki, as well as for the rest rural areas of Pogoni Municipality, in general.

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Alternative cultivations at Konitsa
Abstract

This study, first, aims to analyze the present situation of agricultural activity in the Municipality of Konitsa, and, second, to evaluate, from a financial point of view, four new cultivations. The proposed cultivations, namely field crop (stevia), blueberry, greenhouse tomatoes and pleurotus mushrooms, are appropriate for the local conditions and achieve a higher economic return in comparison with traditional cultivations. As the results of the financial analysis reveal, the proposed cultivations are very promising investments. Nevertheless, the difficulty of penetrating the market and the need to maintain traditional cultivations in the area to support the primary sector in general and cattle-breeding in particular should be considered.

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Development proposals for melon cultivation (Cucumis melo L.) in Kallithea of Konitsa
Abstract

This study aims at exploring the melon cultivation in Kallithea (or Goritsa) of Konitsa Municipality. Melon cultivation has been an important activity to the local economy for decades. Nowadays, however, melon production is limited to a small number of cultivators, as the activity is perceived to be unprofitable. Yet, the results of a field study that was carried out by means of semi-structured interviews and the SWOT analysis conducted indicate that melon cultivation has good prospects not only to survive but also to thrive. However, both the cultivators and the State should adopt appropriate measures in order to exploit the strengths and opportunities offered and overcome the existing weaknesses and threats.

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Wastewater management in mountainous regions: The case-study of Distrato, Konitsa
Abstract

Wastewater management is a measure of great significance for the conservation of the natural environment. Especially in mountainous regions, wastewater management is even more important, since the liquid waste of settlements are disposed, basically, in rivers and watercourses that are sensitive ecosystems.

The objective of this study is to propose solutions on wastewater management in mountainous settlements. The village of Distrato, in the Municipality of Konitsa has been used as a case study. The goal is achieved by presenting the legal framework having to do with wastewater treatment, assaying the three cleaning stages, mentioning the current international trends in wastewater management and presenting the sewage processing units, which adapt to small settlements.

The “optimum” alternative that originates from quantitative and qualitative criteria, is the Sequential Batch Reactor or compact system for which preliminary design has been  taken place.

In Workshop:
Integrated development proposals for the municipality of Konitsa
Abstract

In research literature, a lack of common understanding of “development” concept is identified. The meaning of “development” changed during the last decades from simple economic growth, embracing social and environmental concerns. 

The aim of this paper is  to highlight the integrated development theory, through the synthesis of three interdisciplinary research projects, applied to the area of Konitsa, within the postgraduate program "Environment and Development of Mountainous Areas" of the NTUA. The results provided for each methodological step and the integrated approach of the development scenarios can be used as an important tool, contributing to the design, development and support of relevant policies.

In Workshop:
Renovation of the old market district of Konitsa
Abstract

Vernacular architecture is an irreplaceable cultural heritage and a valuable testimony of the past that identifies the character of a place. The continuous unregulated interventions on the buildings and the public space, the architecture that does not follow local vernacular characteristics and the abandonment of the buildings have led to the gradual loss of the traditional character of many mountainous areas. The town of Konitsa is a characteristic example of the above changes. It is trying to maintain its traditional identity, which is constantly distorted by the "decoration" of time. In the center of the town, the site of the old market, which used to be a vivid part of life and development of the town is currently characterised by an aesthetic and functional degradation. Local traditional buildings seem to suffocate and perish among the modern urban environment. Exploring and identifying the elements of local traditional character as well as and the modern needs of the local community, in this study, several proposals are presented concerning the renovation of the public space, the redesign of the facades of vernacular and modern buildings as well as the rehabilitation of abandoned buildings. The aim of this study is the recovery of the old market district’s lost traditional character and identity in order to enhance the attractiveness and the cultural value of the town for its habitants and its visitors.

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Energy saving in the town of Konitsa
Abstract

This paper explores the possibilities of energy saving interventions in mountainous settlements, which have increased thermal energy demand. The settlement of Konitsa in Greece has been selected as case of study.

For this purpose, a methodology has been composed, whose main characteristic is the modeling of the settlement under study by creating several model houses. These models are introduced into technical software, which calculates their exact energy demand, by also taking into account the meteorological conditions of the region. Based on the settlement’s special requirements of thermal energy, five different energy saving alternatives have been formed. For each one of the alternatives, the amount of energy saving, the economic benefits, as well as the cost of the necessary investments have been estimated.

The application of thermal insulation at the external walls of the buildings is the most effective solution, as far as economic performance is concerned. Improving the buildings’ shells in mountainous settlements, where the climatic conditions are cold, leads to particularly high energy savings.

In Workshop:
From Representative Towards Direct Democracy: A new Tool for Decision Making and Public Management for the Demos of Konitsa
Abstract

This paper aims at investigating the applicability of direct-democracy processes in decision making at the municipality of Konitsa. Initially, through a brief critical analysis of the system of Representative Democracy and the situation in which it has fallen recently, the need for such approaches indecision-making is being proved. Then, based on the analysis of the main direct-democracy and participatory paradigms attempted around the world, the main features and the advantages of these examples are highlighted. Finally, the possibilities and prospects of the implementation and operation of such processes in the study area are examined.

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