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The “Social Cooperative Enterprise of Collective and Social Benefit of Anogia” with the distinctive title “N-IDEA Cooperation”, is based in Anogia, Rethymno and was founded in November 2017. The company was established by 7 members from the area of Anogia and its main purpose is the collective and social benefit and the sustainable development.
The activities aim, among others, at the production of products and the provision of services related to culture, environment, ecology, education, with services of public benefit, the promotion of local products, the preservation of traditional activities – professions, the protection of common goods, the protection and restoration of the natural environment, biodiversity and geodiversity, the strengthening of locally supported agriculture or livestock, the process of reducing waste production at local level, the production and promotion of independent cultural creation and finally, real estate management with social and environmental criteria.
“N-IDEA Cooperation” includes infrastructures such as: the Shepherd’s House (theme park), a Music Study Area (material digitalization for artists) and the Archeological Information Center (exhibition of data and information from the excavation of Idaion Antro and Zominthos).
Services
The Shepherd’s Land: This is a representation of the livestock activities of the area and the shepherds’ lodgings. In the theme park, the visitor will find:
The Archaeological Information Center: The archaeological information center is dedicated to the late archaeologist, Yannis Sakellarakis and his wife, Efi Sapouna. At the Center, data and information from the excavation activity at the two important archaeological sites of Ideos Andros and Zominthos are exhibited in an extremely original way. Efi Sapouna-Sakellaraki, who continues the research and excavation work at Zominthos, played a decisive role in the design and implementation of the space. The exhibition presents in sections the main findings from the long-term excavation activity at the two sites.
The Music Study Space: A space for locals and visitors to Anogia, containing books, audio and photographic material relating to the musical tradition of Anogia. The space concerns the existence of an innovative infrastructure which enables the visitor to get to know the local musical idiom, the personalities of the Cretan music and dance tradition and through them the wider region, history and music and dance tradition. Through a narrative approach, nature, the environment and the place are connected to the people, their customs and their imprints, composing a unique experience.
Activities: N-IDEA Cooperation is based in the area of Anogia, of particular natural beauty and cultural value, where there are a multitude of activities and infrastructure for the visitor.
The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
