NGO “Opsometha es Philippi”

Incubator of young professionals and researchers to protect, valorize and promote Philippi-Amphipolis cultural landscape under Philippi Park pland and brand

The Civil NPO “Opsometha es Philippous” is an incubator for young entrepreneurs and researchers, with its main objective being the preservation, protection, valoration of the Philippi – Amfipolis cultural landscape. This is accomplished through the sustainable development plan for the region, known as the “Philippi Park”. There are two main objectives of the initiative. Firstly, it aims to create and implement a Holistic Development Model that mobilizes human resources and recognizes, utilizes, and protects the rich environmental, agricultural, and cultural heritage of 8,500 years of history in the cultural landscape of Philippi – Amphipolis. The goal is to transform it into a destination of Excellence with global radiance, known as “Philippi Park.”

Secondly, the initiative seeks to bring together young and experienced scientists, as well as active citizens, and engage civil society, local government, and other stakeholders in a trajectory of intermunicipal cooperation and regional development. This is to ensure the proper preservation and promotion of the common space, Philippi Park, and to establish a shared identity that fosters social cohesion, economic expansion, tourist development, and safeguards social, cultural, economic, and environmental balance.

The “Opsometha” organization has implemented 16 projects/actions and completed 427 consultations over a period of 8 years with local government agencies, civil society, academic-scientific-research organizations, businesses, relevant ministries, municipal and regional services, and antiquities authorities. These projects/actions and their outcomes involve: a) Recognition, preservation, and development of the region’s culture, agricultural production, environmental wealth, and tourism, b) Education and awareness of citizens/professionals on environmental issues, sustainability, development, quality of life, culture, tourism, agricultural production, and the environment c) Preservation of the authenticity of cultural heritage, history, and traditions by ensuring their protection in contemporary use.

Creation and registration of a distinctive brand name and unique logo for the new integrated destination of Philippi Park (implemented internally) – 2 researchers, 3 volunteers.
Mapping of the tourism, environmental, and cultural assets on Google Maps and GIS (implemented internally) – 3 researchers, 10 volunteers, 18 collaborating organizations.
Interconnection of all points of interest through common narratives and creation of thematic tourist packages (implemented internally) – 2 researchers, 2 volunteers, 13 collaborating businesses.
Study and location of a visitor management and information center for promoting Philippi Park (implemented through a collaborative project) – 1 Local Government Authority (Municipality).
Development of a unified electronic application for promoting Philippi Park as a destination for all interested parties (implemented through CLLD/LEADER) – 3 Development Companies.
Establishment of Philippi Park as an institution and creation of a management body for Philippi Park (implemented through CLLD/LEADER) – 3 Development Companies.
Study and location of afforestation in the central Tafros of Tenaghi Philippi (implemented internally) – 2 researchers, Forestry Department, Greek Association of Civil Engineers.
Acquisition of a special identity for the Agricultural Products of Philippi Park and promotional activities (exhibitions, websites, festivals, etc.) under the name “Agricultural Basket of Philippi Park” (implemented internally) – 3 researchers, 20 volunteers, 48 collaborating businesses.
Mapping of Via Egnatia: Digital recording of Apostle Paul’s hiking route using CLOUD GIS in the regions of Kavala, Drama, and Serres (implemented through the Ministry of Interior Affairs) – 5 researchers, 12 volunteers.
Pangaion Mountain Forum (implemented through CLLD/LEADER) – Network of tourism businesses for the promotion of Pangaion Mountain and creation of tourist packages – 4 researchers, 5 volunteers, 15 tourism businesses, 12 cultural associations.
Some indicative examples of education/awareness initiatives are:
Brevet Philippi 2018-2022 (implemented with the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace) – International cycling tourism event covering 210 km that passes through and connects Philippi Park, certified under the standards of the French Cycling Federation – Participants: 240 athletes, 82 collaborating organizations, 12 cultural associations.
Symposium of Contemporary Art 2021 (implemented through the Ministry of Culture and CLLD/LEADER) – Promotion of regional myths and connection of artists with the cultural landscape – 7 days, 11 artists, 28 tourism and processing businesses.
“Electric Rides in Drama” 2021 (implemented with the Municipality of Drama and Vocational High School of Drama, and through the Green Fund) – 6 days, electric vehicle tour promoting sustainable transportation – collaboration with local businesses, schools, and citizens.

International Half Marathon “In the Footsteps of Apostle Paul” (implemented with the Municipality of Kavala, SEGAS, SEVAS, Metropolis of Kavala, European Sports Committee) – Organization of the event, securing sponsorships, and coordination of parallel activities, 8 tourism and processing businesses.

Awareness and information campaign for farmers regarding Rational Use of Agricultural Pesticides and Empty Container Management 2022 (implemented through CLLD/LEADER) – Action aiming at local development, 4 trainers, 10 consultations, 400 participating farmers.

“Discover Philippi Park” (implemented internally) – 30 experiential educational activities for citizens, 12 tour guides, 1 botanist, 30 volunteers, 2000 participants, 40 civil society organizations, 30 local businesses.

The interdisciplinary team “Opsometha es Philippi” consists of a large scientific workforce. The primary goal of the team is to connect innovative partners and engaged citizens for the implementation of bottom-up holistic methods for interregional development through the integration of culture, tourism, and the environment. Comprising 50 professionals with different specialties such as tourism, cultural management, architecture, agricultural production, cross-border development, education, economy, history, and archaeology, “Opsometha eis Philippous” employs scientists on project-based contracts according to their respective activities. Additionally, they collaborate with over 70 volunteers who support the organization’s initiatives.There is the possibility / opportunity of collaborating with young researchers at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, as well as offering internships. Υoung people form a large part of the workforce and the organisation places great emphasis on their employment and support in all levels.