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On Saturday 08/07/2017, the annual one-day meeting of the MSc took place at the town of Zitsa. The students of the MSc Programme presented their work on a variety of issues regarding the development and environment of the mountainous region of Zitsa. "Environmental pressures on the aquatic ecosystem of Kalamas in the Municipality of Zitsa", "Dreams and Expectations of the youth", "Irrigations of Zitsa's plateau", "Exploitation of winery waste", "Accessibility issues in Zitsa Municipality", "Derveni: The revival of "The road of salt" ", were some of the presentations' topics. In total, 16 presentations were made. This meeting was the closure of one year work (October - June, 2017), during which each student spend time at the region investigating on his/her project (field work, interviews, data collection, etc.). The projects' thematic areas were the result of an interaction among the educational team and the local authorities. The students dealt with real problems of the region and worked on realistic solutions on them. This is the main aim of this work; to answer to local problems, to give ways to the development of local potentialities and to change the whole way of thinking for local people.

The region of Zitsa holds many characteristics typical in Epirus; a long history and a local tradition in benefaction. There is also the region's musical identity which adds an important contribution to the musical tradition of Epirus. Some of the most well-known songs (Mariola, Kleftes) originate in the region of Zitsa. The current Municipality of Zitsa includes a large area highly diversified. Small and isolated villages holding very few residents co-exist with large villages that function as suburbs of Ioannina city. So, the question of the kind of the future development of the area arises. It shall be built on the unique identity of the area. One of the most special characteristics of Zitsa is that it was in the past and it still is an intellect-village; it's not surprising that in a village of 700 people there is an engraving art gallery and a bookstore. In the village of Soulopoulo, writers' awards events take place, the pupils of Eleousa lyceum are very high in the national exams rates, etc. Furthermore, the region of Zitsa holds a vivid and strong production activity. In addition, Zitsa is a vivid region with many settlements holding permanent population. All these elements contribute to an optimistic future.

The meeting was attended by local residents and the local authorities. Each presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion, among all attendees. The meeting's book including all of the presentations' papers was given to local authorities in many copies. The success of the meeting derives from the hard work done and points out its importance for local society.

On Saturday 24/09/2016, the annual one-day meeting of the MSc took place. This time the meeting coincided with the 8th Conference of the M.I.R.C. (22-24 / 09) so it was part of it, in Metsovo. The students of the MSc Programme presented their work on a variety of issues regarding the development and environment of the mountainous region of G. Karaiskakis. "Karaeskakis: Digital development of the Georgios Karaiskakis Municipality", "Expectations of the youth in the G. Karaiskakis Municipality", "Wastewater management in mountainous settlements: A case study in Panagia Diasellou", "Energy saving interventions in municipal buildings of the Georgios Karaiskakis Municipality", "Designing a creamery in the G. Karaiskakis Municipality", "Feasibility study for the utilization of briarwood", "Standardization and processing of chestnut products", were some of the presentations' topics. In total, 16 presentations were made. This meeting was the closure of one year work (October - June, 2016), during which each student spend time at the region investigating on his/her project (field work, interviews, data collection, etc.). The projects' thematic areas were the result of an interaction among the educational team and the local authorities. The students dealt with real problems of the region and worked on realistic solutions on them. This is the main aim of this work; to answer to local problems, to give ways to the development of local potentialities and to change the whole way of thinking for local people.

The area of G. Karaiskakis is rather unknown, in comparison to its surrounding areas. However the region holds its own physiognomy, located at one of the most important crossroads of mountainous Greece. At the same time, it is a Municipality of great contradictions. It includes the plain-land of Arta town and most of its settlements are, somehow, suburbs of Arta. This region is characterised by large areas of oil-trees cultivation land. The most mountainous region of Skoulikaria village rests among fir-trees forests and has an open view to the sea. The third region of the Municipality includes its wilder part with many small villages, like eagle-nests, resting in high altitudes. A region rich in forests and with the unique beauty's valley of Acheloos river. This area comprises the gate to the mountainous regions of Evritania and Trikala. All these elements are the advantages and disadvantages, at the same time, of the region; the core elements for the future development of the Municipality.

The meeting was attended by local residents of G. Karaiskakis, as well as from residents of Metsovo and a variety of other academics and people who attended the conference. Each presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion, among all attendees. The meeting's book including all of the presentations' papers was given to the authorities of the Municipalityof G. Karaiskakis, in many copies. The meeting was successful and especially important for the local society of G. Karaiskakis.

On Saturday 04/07/2015, the annual one-day meeting of the MSc took place at the town of Paramythia. The students of the MSc Programme presented their work on a variety of issues regarding the development and environment of the mountainous region of Souli. "The concept of place-branding. Case study in the  Municipality of Souli", "The families of Souli: an experiential game in the historical village of Souli", "Paramythia revealed: an alternative (and e-) guide for Paramythia", "The camp in the era of economic crisis. A design proposal for the revival of the camp of Paramythia", "Carrying capacity of Acheron river - Glykis village", "Viero quarry: a multifunctional unexploited area", "The evolution of land tenure in Thesprotia. The case of the Municipality of Souli", were some of the presentations' topics. In total, 18 presentations were made. This meeting was the closure of one year work (October - June, 2015), during which each student spend time at the region investigating on his/her project (field work, interviews, data collection, etc.). The projects' thematic areas were the result of an interaction among the educational team and the local authorities. The students dealt with real problems of the region and worked on realistic solutions on them. This is the main aim of this work; to answer to local problems, to give ways to the development of local potentialities and to change the whole way of thinking for local people.

The region of Souli bears many characteristics common in many areas of Greece of the same population and economic activities' structure. A small town with satellite-villages around, with a thin production activity and long history, at the foothills of mountains. At the same time, the region of Souli has a very interesting tradition shaped by the ancient mythology. This is the region of Acheron river and its springs were the border between the two worlds exists: the one of the alive and the one of the dead. This was the food for thought for the core issue of death and how it appears in the past in comparison to the current way of living. The local tradition of Epirus holds many elements that reveal a more balanced relation between people and death. Furthermore, the area of Souli holds a heavy history. An unreachable mountain region where local families of tough people in the past wrote a long history of wars and vendettas in a mountainous scenery that reminds fairytales pictures of the "Lord of rings". In addition, the region hosts many rare wild-bird species, i.e. the Νeophron percnopterus vulture and the wild horses of Souli. The local history, culture and natural environment form the identity of the region and constitute its developmental essence.

The meeting was attended by local residents and the local authorities of Souli region. Each presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion, among all attendees. The meeting's book including all of the presentations' papers was given to the authorities of the Municipality of Souli, in many copies. The meeting was successful and especially important for the local society of Souli.

On Saturday 19/07/2014, the annual one-day meeting of the MSc took place at Delvinaki town, in Pogoni. The students of the MSc Programme presented their work on a variety of issues regarding the development and environment of the mountainous region of Pogoni. "Improvement interventions in the Pogoni Municipality plain", "Dreams and expectations of the youth in the area of Pogoni", "Spatial inequalities and development perspectives in the Municipality of Pogoni", "Derveni. Cycling on a historical cart-road", "Evaluation of the forest resources and the forest production perspectives in the area of Pogoni", "Vulnerability zonation mapping for landslides' occurrence using GIS and remote sensing methodology: a case study from northwestern Greece", "Facing the phenomenon of erosion. The case of river Kalamas", were some of the presentations' topics. In total, 15 presentations were made. This meeting was the closure of one year work (October - June, 2014), during which each student spend time at the region investigating on his/her project (field work, interviews, data collection, etc.). The projects' thematic areas were the result of an interaction among the educational team and the local authorities. The students dealt with real problems of the region and worked on realistic solutions on them. This is the main aim of this work; to answer to local problems, to give ways to the development of local potentialities and to change the whole way of thinking for local people.

The area of Pogoni is rather unknown. However this border region is very important to the history of Epirus. This becomes easily evident through local traditional songs and music. This region holds important advantages: permanent population, significant location, large flat-land areas, unique landscapes, many monuments and important settlements. The region's main disadvantage is the aging population and the diminishing job opportunities. And this is the challenge for its future development. The special characteristics of local traditional music; the polyphonic songs, the sound of the clarinet, the local singers who accompanied every local festival, all comprise the unique identity of Pogoni.

The meeting was attended by local residents and the local authorities. Each presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion, among all attendees. The meeting's book including all of the presentations' papers was given to local authorities in many copies. The success of the meeting derives from the hard work done and points out its importance for local society.

On Saturday 20/07/2013, the annual one-day meeting of the MSc took place at the village of Ano Pedina, in Zagori. The students of the MSc Programme presented their work on a variety of issues regarding the development and environment of the mountainous region of Zagori. "m-Zagori", "Expectations and dreams of the youth of Zagori", "Corporations of Zagori. From companies to individualization. In future, what?", "Zagori: from benefaction to sponsoring?", "Slowing down landslides in Zagori", "Public buildings in Zagori. From non-use to restoration", were some of the presentations' topics. In total, 15 presentations were made. This meeting was the closure of one-year work (October - June, 2013), during which each student spend time at the region investigating on his/her project (field work, interviews, data collection, etc.). The projects' thematic areas were the result of an interaction among the educational team and the local authorities. The students dealt with real problems of the region and worked on realistic solutions on them. This is the main aim of this work; to answer to local problems, to give ways to the development of local potentialities and to change the whole way of thinking for local people.

The region of Zagori is well-known due to its natural beauty, cultural heritage and the many well-preserved traditional villages of unique architecture. Zagori is a well-known tourist destination. Important economic investments took place in the region that gave a boost to local development. Luckily, the local architectural physiognomy was preserved unlike other touristic regions. However, local population decrease is high and historical social structures are already diminishing. This entails the evident danger of the transformation of the area into a scenery for tourists. Therefore, the analysis of the current profile of the region is necessary in order for the firm foundation of its future integrated development to be established. 

The meeting was attended by local residents and the local authorities. Each presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion, among all attendees. The meeting's book including all of the presentations' papers was given to local authorities in many copies. The success of the meeting derives from the hard work done and points out its importance for local society.

On Saturday 14/07/2012, the annual one-day meeting of the MSc took place at the town of Konitsa. The students of the MSc Programme presented their work on a variety of issues regarding the development and environment of the mountainous region of Konitsa. "Wind-farm location in the Municipality of Konitsa", "Wastewater management in mountainous regions: The case study of Distrato, Konitsa", "Renovation of the old market district of Konitsa", "Enchancement of Kastaniani's cultural identity through the use of new technologies", "Alternative cultivations in Konitsa", were some of the presentations' topics. In total, 14 presentations were made. This meeting was the closure of one year work (October - June, 2012), during which each student spend time at the region investigating on his/her project (field work, interviews, data collection, etc.). The projects' thematic areas were the result of an interaction among the educational team and the local authorities. The students dealt with real problems of the region and worked on realistic solutions on them. This is the main aim of this work; to answer to local problems, to give ways to the development of local potentialities and to change the whole way of thinking for local people.

The region of Konitsa is a beautiful place. Its natural environment and its people are the essentials of its beauty. The history of the region includes some of the most important milestones in Greek history. The region of Konitsa surprises with its rich variety of its settlements and with the warm hospitality of its residents. All these characteristics are the main elements for the setting of the region's future perspectives.

The meeting was attended by local residents and the local authorities. Each presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion, among all attendees. The meeting's book including all of the presentations' papers was given to local authorities in many copies. The success of the meeting derives from the hard work done and points out its importance for local society.

On Friday and Saturday 01/07/2011 - 02/07/12, the annual meeting of the MSc took place at the town of Metsovo and the village of Milia. The students of the MSc Programme presented their work on a variety of issues regarding the development and environment of the mountainous region of Metsovo. "Retrieving the traditional character of mountainous settlements. The town of Metsovo, in Greece", "Energy saving in Metsovo for encountering energy poverty", "Evaluation of web pages of Metsovo",  "Problems and prospects of the wood sector in Metsovo Municipality", "Landslide hazard zonation for landslides' prevention", "Evaluation and development plan of potato sector of Chrisovitsa area", were some of the presentations' topics. In total, 19 presentations were made. This meeting was the closure of one-year work (October - June, 2011), during which each student spend time at the region investigating on his/her project (field work, interviews, data collection, etc.). The projects' thematic areas were the result of an interaction among the educational team and the local authorities. The students dealt with real problems of the region and worked on realistic solutions on them. This is the main aim of this work; to answer to local problems, to give ways to the development of local potentialities and to change the whole way of thinking for local people.

The region of Metsovo is characterized by a rich natural environment, local folk tradition and culture and long history. The region of Metsovo differs from other mountainous areas in that:

• It holds permanent population and important economic activities.
• It is located on an important transportation axis that connects Epirus with Thessaly. Therefore, there was a constant economic and social activity in the area.
• Despite several problems, the Municipality of Metsovo holds important infrastructure and basic services for local residents.
• The aim is the utilization of all the local advantages in order for an even better future; a more attractive Metsovo region, for its residents and for its visitors.

The two-day meeting was attended by local residents and the local authorities. Each presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion, among all attendees. The meeting's book including all of the presentations' papers was given to local authorities in many copies. The success of the meeting derives from the hard work done and points out its importance for local society.

On Saturday 17/07/2010, the first annual meeting of the MSc took place at the village of Sirako. The students of the MSc Programme presented their work on a variety of issues regarding the development and environment of the mountainous region of Tzoumerka. "The prospect of gas storage in underground salt caverns in the Monolithi area", "Myths and reality about snow-ski centers: The case of Tzoumerka range", "Innovative entrepreneurship in Tzoumerka range", "The contribution of GPS systems in promoting trekking tourism. The case of the Syrako - Kalarrytes footpath", "The secrets of wild life in Tzoumerka range", "Forest fire danger in Tzoumerka range", "The role of immigrants in the mountainous settlements of Tzoumerka", were some of the presentations' topics. In total, 21 presentations were made. This meeting was the closure of one year work (October - June, 2010), during which each student spend time at the region investigating on his/her project (field work, interviews, data collection, etc.). The projects' thematic areas were the result of an interaction among the educational team and the local authorities. The students dealt with real problems of the region and worked on realistic solutions on them. This is the main aim of this work; to answer to local problems, to give ways to the development of local potentialities and to change the whole way of thinking for local people.

Greece is among the most mountainous countries of Europe. Mountain regions were the refuge for Greeks during five centuries. However, several successive events -WW II, civil war and two internal migrations - drained mountainous population. This resulted in a plethora of problems, social and economic. At the same time though, it was the cause for mountain regions to be kept away from a cheap and rapid development and preserve their natural and cultural heritage. During the last decades, people seem to re-discover mountainous areas, especially through tourism. Questions regarding the kind of development we are aiming at for these regions, the main characteristics of this development, etc arise. The aim of this MSc Programme is to study a different mountainous area each year, to adopt this area, and to end up in realistic proposals for specific problems of the case study area. The region of Tzoumerka is the first region under research and studying.

The meeting was attended by local residents and the local authorities. Each presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion, among all attendees. The meeting's book including all of the presentations' papers was given to local authorities in many copies. The success of the meeting derives from the hard work done and points out its importance for local society.