SNF has supported the Elliniki Etairia in this effort from its inception. And of course we were there to hike and see the first fruits of this endeavor which happily coincided with the program being among the winners at the Europa Nostra Awards. The Greek Paths of Culture in Thrace include a main path connecting the Nestos River to the Rhodopes mountain range, as well as four complementary routes. This project is expected to have a positive impact, beyond for hikers, on professionals active in the wider region, on young people who will find a job and motivation to stay in their birthplace, and on children who learn at an early age to love and respect their cultural heritage.
Involvement in The Greek Paths of Culture in Thrace Program is not an incidental or isolated support on the part of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. We may be beginner hikers, but we have more than 20 years of experience in charitable activity. This project is part of a wider effort that uses culture as a lever of growth. As part of this effort, SNF is supporting, through grants, a four-year sustainable development plan for the Prespa region; the renovation of the home of Patrick Leigh Fermor, one of the most legendary traveler writers of the 20th century who was especially fond of Greece; and an important initiative run by SNF for the revival of the village of Vamvakou in Laconia, the place of origin of our founder, Stavros Niarchos, aiming at the sustainable development of the village and the return of more permanent residents.