The ongoing multidimensional crisis demands new development approaches that respond to actual needs and describe the way for the creative utilization of the particular characteristics of the natural and socioeconomic environment. The need for this kind of planning approaches becomes more intense in mountainous areas, which remained to a large extent outside the dominant development strategies. Integrated approach, interdisciplinarity and education can be key features of these new approaches.

«Aesthetics is the relaying of values not forms; forms need to evolve in order for the values to survive”. In these words, P. Michelis points out the significance of form, and thus the architectural form, in the preservation of values and tradition. This paper examines the image of the built environment and evolution of the Municipality of Georgios Karaiskakis, exposing views for its aesthetic and overall appearance.

Mountain areas are turning into up-and-coming tourism destinations, as pockets of invaluable natural and cultural heritage. Considering that mass tourism induces major negative impacts on mountain communities and ecosystems, a different approach of tourism development is necessary to be established. The improvement of   livelihood of local host population, the environmental protection, the exposure and revitalization of local culture must be the principles of mountain tourism development.

The Georgios Karaiskaki Municipality has great natural beauty and a remarkable cultural legacy. The «Korakou» bridge, found in the specific municipality, is of great historic importance. Its relation with modern Greek history reached its climax after its bombardment in the year 1949 by military troops of Greek revolutionary army. In recent years the demand of its reconstruction is getting more and more intense. The local authorities not only brought up the matter in to the Greek and European public but they also have made a preliminary study of the restoration of the bridge.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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. 

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.