The municipality of Grevena, in Western Macedonia, has recently submitted its candidacy for joining the International Model Forests Network (IMFN), for the designation of the Valia Kalda National Park, also known as the Pindos National Park, as a ‘Model Forest’.
Valia Kalda is a major treasure of a forest for Greece, and its inclusion on the map of the IMFN will be a boost to its sustainable management.
Grevena municipality fulfills all the conditions required for designation as a Model Forest, given that the forest covers 45 percent of the municipality’s expanse, is easily accessible from the Egnatia motorway, and contains the National Forest and the Vassilitsa ski center, while it also has a developed forestry, produces non-forest products such as the region’s famed mushrooms, organic farming and animal breeding, and numerous tourist resorts, as stated by forester Dimitris Tsimplinas.
Valia Kalda is an isolated mountainous area in the northeastern part of the Pindos mountain range. Established as a national park in 1966 and considered one of the most important protected areas for the maintenance of mountainous biodiversity and ecosystem integrity at national level, the park’s core zone covers the greatest part of the Valia Kalda valley and the slopes of the surrounding peaks.
With an elevation range from 1,076 to 2,177 meters, the National Park is characterised by dense forests of European black pine (Pinus nigra) and common beech (Fagus sylvatica) trees (in the park’s lower and middle altitudes) — some of which are more than 700 years old — rocky ridges, several peaks over 2,000 meters altitude, rapid streams and mountain lakes. At higher altitudes, Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii) woodland is dominant.
A total of 415 plant types and mushroom species have been recorded in the area. A number of local flower types are considered endemic to the Balkans, such as Dianthus deltoides and Allium breviradum, while many endemic plants of central and northern Greece also grow in the park, such as Centaurea vlachorum, as well as rare species such as Minuartia baldaci, Bornmuellera tymphaea, Viola dukadjinica and Silene pindicola.
The area belongs to the wider Pindos Mountains mixed forests ecoregion, which belongs to the Natura 2000 ecological network of protected areas, and is one of the three places in Greece that hosts a population of Eurasian brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos), which is a conservation priority species; the region itself is called “bear park”.
Other mammals that live in the park are lynxes, deer and wild cats, while wolves, beech martens, wild boars and red squirrels are also found in the area all year round. Additionally, the Balkan Chamois, a Balkan endemic species, is found on the steep and rocky parts of the park and in the beech forests.
The three small rivers crossing the area of the park have very clear water and are the well conserved habitat of the otter, while up to five types of bat have been reported, the most common being niktovatis (Nyctalys noctula).
The forest further provides shelter for more than 80 species of birds, including 10 types of rare bird species such as the Eastern imperial eagle, the Golden eagle, the Levant sparrohawk and the Lanner falcon, indicating the ornithological importance of the area. Other rare birds found in the park are the shore lark (Eremophilla alpestris) and the Lanius excubitor, which migrates from Africa in the summer.
Finally, the dense and mature forests host eight types of woodpecker, including the White-backed Woodpecker, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker, the Lesser-spotted Woodpecker and the Black Woodpecker.
IMFN is a voluntary association of partners from around the world working toward a common goal – the sustainable management of forest-based landscapes and natural resources. It is comprised of all member Model Forests.
Model Forests don’t just come about by themselves. The IMFN aims to inform and assist the various stakeholders and support interactions among potential partners. It is a global community of practice that converts the collective experience and lessons learned from member Model Forests into services that help new ventures begin and existing ones grow.
The IMFN’s vision is to support, through Model Forests, the management of the world’s forest resources in a sustainable manner, reflecting environmental and socio-economic issues from the perspective of local needs and global concerns. The primary goal of the IMFN is to establish a global network of Model Forests that will represent most of the major forest ecosystems of the world. We also strive to ensure that all partners, regardless of political or economic status, can contribute to, and share in, the benefits of the Network as they work toward the sustainable management of forest-based landscapes.
It’s three key objectives are: To foster international cooperation and exchange of ideas relating to the working concept of sustainable forest management; To support international cooperation in critical aspects of forest science and social science that underlie the search for new models of forest management; and To support ongoing international discussions on the criteria and principles of sustainable development.amna
As a long-term goal, the Network will serve as a foundation for international cooperation on the sustainable development of forest landscapes and natural resources all over the globe. Participating Model Forests will share their knowledge and encourage large parts of the world’s forested areas to undertake management and conservation methods that ensure their continuous benefits for humanity.
(Source: ANA – MPA)
Valia Kalda National Park Becomes Candidate for "Model Forest"
Greek-American Composer Dinos Constantinides to Perform at Carnegie Hall in NY
Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) presents an evening of music by the Greek-American composer Dinos Constantinides on Sunday, February 12 at 7:30pm at Carnegie Hall.
Described by The New York Times as a composer whose “music speaks simply, often combining Greek modes… with an attractive quality of ritual mystery,” Constantinides has written over 250 compositions, several of which have been recorded for Centaur records and performed throughout the US, Europe and Asia by ensembles including the American Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Athens State Orchestra and China’s Shenzhen Symphony, among others.
Currently Boyd Professor at Louisiana State University – as well as head of Composition and Music Director of the Louisiana Sinfonietta – Constantinides brings along an array of superb faculty soloists from LSU, including pianist Michael Gurt, violinist Yova Milanova, saxophonist Griffin Campbell, percussionist Brett William Dietz, along with the LSU Percussion Group, Hamiruge.
Himself a violinist with the State Orchestra of Athens in Greece for over 10 years, as well as with the Indianapolis and Baton Rouge Symphonies, Constantinides premiered his Patterns for Violin and Piano (1989 and 2003), here performed by Yova Milanova along with the lyrical Sonata for Solo Violin No 1 (1968). Milanova is joined by Griffin Campbell on saxophone, and pianist Michael Gurt for Trio No. 3 (1998), based on a folk-like modal tune that highlights the Greek heritage of the composer.
Campbell also performs two solo works: the Zodiac-themed Celestial Musings for Alto Saxophone Alone (2010) and Transformations for Saxophone Alone (1990), inspired by events from the composer’s youth, heard here in its New York premiere. Campbell is joined by percussionist Brett William Dietz for the tone poem, Legend II for Alto Saxophone and Percussion (1988-1993).
Michael Gurt performs the charming Suite for a Young Man for Solo Piano (1980), which takes a journey through adolescence (“Proud and Solemn – First Kiss – Beginning Dancing”), illness (“Clusteritis”), and the elaborate and joyful “Cotillion”. Closing the varied program, the Hamiruge ensemble (Chris Hoefer, Daniel Heagney, Samuel Trevathan) performs the Percussion Quartet (2007), which combines twelve-tone in style and conception, colorful percussion effects, and Greek modal dance tunes.
Now in its 5th season, DCINY offers spectacular opportunities to emerging and established artists, bringing them to New York’s legendary venues. Recently, the Distinguished Concerts Artist Series has featured baritone Thomas Florio, composer David Templeton, and Diandian Wu, performing on piano and traditional Chinese instruments.
Tickets: www.carnegiehall.org or 212-247-7800 or in person at the Carnegie Hall Box Office.
'Cultural Intervals' Photography Exhibition by Ambassador Vassilis Papaioannou
Over 100 photos taken by Greece’s Ambassador to Cyprus Vassilis Papaioannou during his diplomatic career are currently on display in Nicosia.
Entitled Cultural Intervals, the exhibition is organised with the assistance of the Cyprus Photographic Society and will only be on display at the Melina Mercouri Hall until Saturday, leaving visitors just a precious few days to get a look.
When it comes to exhibitions, ambassadors usually have the honour of opening them, but in this case Papaioannou is the artist behind the lens.
Few things inspire both mind and spirit like a great travel photo.
Photography proves to be a special means of both informing and expressing the true and noble feelings of the photographer himself, and in this case it’s an esteemed diplomat.
The ambassador presents photos from his travels, opening windows on fascinating, faraway places many of us would like to visit.
The son of a priest, Beirut-born and raised, Papaioannou lived in Lebanon until 1967. In the aftermath of the six-day war, the family repatriated to Athens.
A few years later, he went to Toulouse for his studies in political sociology and anthropology. That’s where he met Ellada, his wife, whose parents are both Paphos-born Cypriots who had emigrated to Congo, Africa.
During the course of his long and distinguished career he worked for three years in an investment bank. He was involved in investment promotion, exercising sociology and anthropology skills.
Since then he has served as a diplomat all around the world, including Damascus, before taking over the Nicosia embassy in February 2009.
While the diplomat is an avid photographer, he also loves painting as well as reading literature.
Cultural Intervals
Photography exhibition by the Ambassador of Greece Vassilis Papaioannou. Until February 4. Melina Merkouri Hall, Famagusta Gate. Open daily: 10am-1pm & 4pm-7pm. Tel: 22-797650
(Source:Cyprus Mail)
Panos Karan To Give Charity Classical Piano Recital for Disaster Victims of Tohuku
Greek Pianist Panos Karan, currently residing in the U.K., will be visiting Japan on March 16, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, to give a piano recital at the Ouji Hall for the disaster victims of the Tohuku earthquake.
This will be his second visit after performing 11 concerts in August 2011 in the Tohuku area for the disaster victims. He is planning to visit the area again in March, which will be one year exactly since the devastation.
Sponsors of the concert are the Japan-Greece Society, the Japan-British Society and the Japan Emergency NPO (JEN).
The music to be performed includes composer Hadjidakis’ “Three Greek Pieces” (from “For a little white seashell”), Say’s “Black Earth” (“Kara Tropak”), Takemitsu’s “A Song of Love” (from Uninterrupted Rest) and Chopin’s “Ballade No.4 in F minor, Op. 52”.
The Greek residents in Japan, as well as all Japanese, are kindly invited to this charity concert of March aiming at offering some help to those in need.
Doors open at 18:30 on Friday, March 16. Ouji Hall is located on Ginza 4-7-5 Chuo-ku (for more information visit www.ojihall.jp) and the fee is 4,000 yen (free seating). For early reservations made in February the fee will have a discount of 500 yen.
Further information is posted on “Greeks of Japan”, a community website created to unite the Greeks and people interested in Greece who live in Japan.
For those interested please contact Fay Savaidis on faysavaidis@ever.ocn.ne.jp by the latest on February 29, 2012, or visit http://www.greeksofjapan.com/.
Engin Ardic Criticizes Fall of Constantinople Festivities in Turkish Newspaper Sabah
In an impressively straight forward article published in the Turkish newspaper Sabah, Engin Ardic, a well known author and journalist, castigated the way celebrations are held in Turkey for the Fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453.
The author points out a number of facts that apparently were kept as sealed secrets for decades by the Turkish regime. Some of the most poignant are:
“Compatriots, stop already all the festivities about the Fall, we have given Anatolia enough violence as it is…
If there was to be a convention in Athens about: ‘we will take back Constantinople…’
If the Greeks were to depict Agia Sophia with a cross on it…how would we feel about that?
We would not like it at all, in fact we would provoke a diplomatic incident.
So, why do you keep on with the festivities every year?
Is that not a way of making a clear declaration: ‘these grounds were not ours, we have conquered them using violence.’
All of Anatolia is conquered with the use of violence.
Instead of being proud of the cities we have conquered, let us be proud of those that we have founded, if any… But there are not.’’
Historic Church in Crete On the Verge of Collapse
The historic church of Virgin Mary Keras in Heraklion, Crete, is facing high risk of collapse after a severe landslide in the region and the adverse weather conditions of the past few days.
The danger of collapse has caused unrest among the citizens and the bodies responsible for preserving the 14th century AD monument of the city.
Initially the municipality had decided to proceed with the immediate construction of a retention wall and a watershed channel, while mayor Costas Mamoulakis had constant communication with the Head of the 13th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, in order to speed up the procedures of updating the existing restoration study.
The church of Virgin Mary Keras was at first a monastery. Several evidence remains from the monks’ cells and the main temple of the monastery dedicated to the worship of Virgin Mary.
Greece Debt Reduction Deal Nears, but Second Needed
ATHENS – Just as Greece is seeking a second bailout to keep its economy from failing and defaulting on its loans under the weight of a staggering $460 billion debt – $41,818 for every man, woman and child in the country – coalition government officials said they are nearing an agreement on a deal to write down as much as 70 percent of what it owes private investor, but now want a second forgiveness from European Union countries footing much of the rescue package bill.
The first phase, a so-called Private Sector Involvement (PSI) negotiation with banks and other lenders who are loaning Greece money is said to nearly concluded, officials said, and would help write off $171 billion in loans the government said it can’t pay back, although $39.5 billion would be given back in sweeteners on condition the lenders accept the deal. The Troika of the EU-International Monetary Fund-European Central Bank is providing Greece $152 billion in a first bailout and offering a second for $169 billion, but Greek officials now want the other 16 countries of the Eurozone using the euro as a currency putting up rescue money to accept losses too, a so-called Official Sector Involvement (OSI.)
Interim Prime Minister Lucas Papademos, who is heading a coalition government formed on Nov. 11, 2011 when Socialist Prime Minister George Papandreou resigned after nearly two months of protests, riots and strikes against austerity measures he imposed on orders of the Troika in return for the loans, said: “We are in the final phase of this very critical process to shape a new financing program for Greece and to complete the loan agreement which will lighten the burden of public debt and ensure funding for years to come,” Papademos said in a statement. He added the plan would “restore fiscal stability, improve competitiveness, revive the economy and increase employment,” although pay cuts, tax hikes, slashed pension and layoffs have created a deep recession with more than 19.2 percent unemployment and lead to the closing of more than 100,000 businesses and the Troika wants more job-killing cuts.
Greece is in a fifth year of recession caused by alternating Administrations of PASOK Socialists and their bitter rival conservative New Democracy party packing public payrolls with political hires in return for votes, creating a hugely-bloated workforce in which offices are stuffed with people sitting around smoking and drinking coffee with little to do except collect paychecks.
Troika officials are concerned that Greece’s uncompetitive economy has doomed the country to a fate in which it can’t recover. “Greece is in deep trouble,” Holger Schmieding of Berenberg Bank in London said in a Jan. 30 report. “The current Greek adjustment program is failing. Excessive austerity, a lack of supply-side reforms, administrative incompetence and political deadlock have pushed the Greek economy into an apparent death spiral. More of the same will not work.” Deutsche Bank Chief Executive Officer Josef Ackermann, who is negotiating on behalf of banks through the Institute of International Finance (IIF,) said he expected a deal “in the coming weeks, maybe days,” although the same prediction has been given by the lenders and government officials repeatedly and never materialized.
Meanwhile, worry is growing among lenders that Greece can’t be saved no matter how much money is poured into the country. “We can’t pay into a bottomless pit,” German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said. “Greece needs a new program, there’s no question about that, but Greece must create the conditions for it.” Papademos is being squeezed to impose more of the austerity that drove Papandreou from office and deal with a recalcitrant group of ministers in the temporary tri-partite government of holdover PASOK ministers, along with New Democracy and the far Right-Wing LAOS party. He also is being told to open closed professions that enjoy monopolies and speed privatization of state-run-and-owned entities, although the investment uncertainty has created a complete shutdown of interest in acquiring Greek assets.
The tension has reached such a level that Papademos’ spokesman, Pantelis Kapsis, denied reports that the Premier would resign unless his coalition agrees with the reforms and Troika demands, even as labor unions are girding to resist demands that private sector wages and benefits be cut drastically as well to make the country more competitive. Adding to the apprehension was a letter from the country’s leader of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos, who said austerity is killing the country and putting people on the streets because they are homeless, while hundreds of thousands of workers can’t afford an avalanche of tax hikes as their wages have been cut nearly 30 percent. A key stumbling block to consensus is the private sector wage reductions of 25 percent and elimination of the $988 per month minimum wage, a condition fought for by labor unions to insure people have enough money to live on, but which the Troika said is too expensive.
Canadian Ambassador Meets With Greek-Canadian Businessmen in Toronto
“This year, Canada is celebrating 70 years of friendship with Greece, since diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established in 1942”, stated the Ambassador of Canada to Greece, Robert Peck, during his meeting with Greek – Canadian businessmen at Toronto National Club, in the presence of the Ambassador of Greece, Eleftherios Aggelopoulos and the Consul General of Toronto, Demetris Azemopoulos.
Mr. Peck noted that Greece may be going through difficult times, but there are investment opportunities on behalf of Canadian businessmen, stressing that Canadian businessmen have already made a huge investment in goldmines in Halkidiki, while they are preparing for other major investments in Greece too.
The Canadian ambassador was informed on the business activities of significant Greek Community members and noted that the Canadian Embassy of Athens wishes to celebrate the 70-year friendship between the two countries in the most festive manner.
On his part, the Ambassador of Greece, Eleftherios Angelopoulos, noted that Greece is rapidly and creatively heading towards reforming the legal framework regarding the possibility of quick investments, inviting Greek – Canadian businessmen to invest in the homeland.
The host of this meeting was Greek – Canadian businessman Daniel Argyros, who owns a major investment firm in Toronto, while many of the other businessmen are dealing with renewable energy sources and other sectors of the Canadian economy.
On the same evening, the consul general of Greece in Toronto, Demetris Azemopoulos, hosted a reception in honor of the ambassadors of Greece and Canada, E. Angelopoulos and Robert Peck, respectively, attended by representatives of the Greek Community in Toronto.
Among the guests was the first Greek – Canadian appointed to Supreme Court, Ms. Karakatsanis.
During the reception, businessman Ted Matziaris announced that, inspired by the Consul General’s activitity in Toronto, Demetris Azemopoulos, he will offer 250.000 dollars for three scholarships in Canada’s best private school for three Greek women who have never had the opportunity to study, due to high tuition fees.
The three scholarships will be provided annually, under the names of Consul General, Demetris Azemopoulos, the Ambassador of Greece, Eleftherios Angelopoulos and Canadian Ambassador, Robert Peck.
Lastly, the reception was attended by the Greek students of Toronto, who in late April, will be holding the Pan-American Student Conference in the city.
(Source: Express.gr)
Greek Tourist Robbed in New Zealand While Sleeping
A Greek tourist was robbed of her cash, passport and airline tickets in a home after she befriended locals in the Bay of Islands.
The woman, in her 40s, was due to leave tomorrow after a month-long journey of a lifetime around New Zealand.
But on Thursday morning her favourable impression of Northland was shattered after a backpack containing all her important documents, 1500 euros, and credit cards was stolen from her motel room.
Once the woman’s plight became known, police, locals and fellow visitors contributed cash and helping her re-organise her way home.
Paihia Police Sergeant Peter Masters said the woman had a chance meeting with three men when she asked for directions to Long Beach while travelling in Russell on Wednesday.
After visiting the beach the woman and three men ate at a restaurant in Russell. Later in the day one of the men returned to Paihia with the woman to where she was staying.
Mr. Masters said the woman fell asleep and when she woke her backpack had been stolen.
Her rental car was stolen from the motel between 4am and 5am yesterday. Police found it burnt out on the road to Elliot’s Bay near Russell.
Mr. Masters appealed to anyone who may have seen the Silver Toyota 2011 hatchback with the registration number of GEK762 to report to police.
“Tourism plays an important part of the Russell and Paihia communities. This poor woman is taking back bad memories of the Bay of Islands and good memories of the rest of New Zealand that will get shared worldwide,” Mr Masters said.
He said she was used to travelling alone and liked to talk with locals where she visited.
(Source:NZHerald.co.nz)
Pamela Pappas To Receive Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Award for Achievement
Greek-American Pamela Pappas of Tampa, Florida, will receive the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Award for Achievement on Saturday, February 11, during the annual conference event of the Leadership.
Mrs. Pappas (40) is a nuclear pharmacist with a passion for mountain climbing. Her most recent achievement was climbing Mount Everest on May 13, 2011.
With this Award, Pappas is being recognized for her unique achievements and performance, while her climbing agenda does not stop at Everest.
Having already climbed Mount Kilimajaro in Africa, Elbrus in eastern Europe,Vinson in Antarctica, Denali in Alaska and Aconcagua in South America, her next trip is to Australia for the Carstensz Pyramids and then Mont Blank in France.
Pappas began climbing in 2006 and aims at conquering the tops of the highest mountains of the world.