South Aegean Regional Operational Program | Juniperus | January 2022 – November 2023

The Juniperus program, which was part of the South Aegean Operational Program 2014 – 2020, funded by the European Social Fund, was a significant step in the development of the Apano Meria Syros Social Cooperative Enterprise (SCE) of Collective and Social Benefit. The total funding of the project amounted to €77,681.24.

Objective and Project Description

The main goal of the program was to strengthen and develop the activities of the SCE. Within the scope of the funding, the following were carried out:

  • Lease and arrangement of a space for the operational needs of the enterprise, including its leasing and equipping.
  • Acquisition of equipment, including projection systems (projector, screen), sound system, whiteboards, photographic and audiovisual recording equipment, as well as office supplies and furniture (tables, chairs, bookshelves).
  • Coverage of operational expenses and consumables, such as rent, utility bills, cleaning supplies, and office materials.
  • Employment: The funding helped create 2.5 Annual Work Units (AWUs), including two full-time and one part-time employee, boosting local employment.
  • Publicity and Promotion: To promote the project and the activities of the SCE, the following were developed:
    • A new website on a subdomain of the existing website of the SCE, juniperus.apanomeria.org, with information about the program.
    • Printed materials distributed during cultural events throughout the summer and all the activities of the SCE.
    • Social media awareness campaign to raise awareness of the program.

Benefits and Added Value

Participation in the program gave the SCE the opportunity to invest with confidence, shaping its strategy with the security of secured funding. This support allowed for adjustments in the design based on participant feedback and the testing of new ideas. It also helped in identifying the most suitable sales channels for the SCE’s products and services.

The program focuses on promoting Syros as a destination for alternative and academic tourism, attracting young scientists and volunteers from around the world. Specifically:

  • The program mainly targets young scientists from Northern Europe, North America, and Australia, who wish to contribute to organizations focused on the environment, geology, and sustainable development.
  • Apano Meria SCE aspires to become a hub for young scientists and students from various academic fields, offering opportunities to participate in research and volunteer activities.

The added value of the program for the local community lies in its contribution to the island’s economic and social life throughout the year. Furthermore, the program aims to develop connections between visitors and the local community, fostering cultural exchange and creating ambassadors for Syros’ hospitality.

The SCE has developed partnerships with various local businesses, such as:

  • The Agritourism Cooperative of Women of Ano Syros “To Kastrí”.
  • The NGO Archipelagos.
  • The business Syros Adventures, which organizes sea visits to Apano Meria.

These collaborations contribute to the creation of a positive social impact and the sustainable development of the island through support for actions concerning environmental protection and the enhancement of Syros’ cultural wealth.

Statistics

To date (October 2024), 73 participants have taken part in the programs of Apano Meria SCE, in the following areas:

  • Environmental Law and Policy: 24 people
  • Traditional Primary Production Practices: 18 people
  • Plastic Recycling and Reuse: 2 people
  • Support Actions: 3 people
  • Communication and Design: 14 people
  • Internships: 12 people

The program continues to attract high-quality visitors, emphasizing positive impact and their integration into the local community.

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