ΕΡΕΥΝΗΤΙΚΟ ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΑΝΔΡΟΥ
Andros Research Center
ANDROS RESEARCH CENTER
ΕΡΕΥΝΗΤΙΚΟ ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΑΝΔΡΟΥ
Contributing to a sustainable future for Andros
Our organization consists of a “colourful” human mosaic. We are around 50 people, connected by love for the rich nature, biodiversity and cultural heritage of Andros. Since 2009, we have joined hands to work as volunteers with one unique goal: a sustainable Andros!
ANDROS ROUTES
Since 2009 we have worked to revive a 240km network of ancient paths across the island, making Andros the only island in Europe that has a continuous long-distance hiking trail with the prestigious quality certification ‘A Leading Quality Trail’ from the European Ramblers Association.
ORAL HISTORIES
In 2009, we began our journey into Andriot oral history by recording testimonies from the residents of the Apoikia and Stenia settlements. In 2021, we hosted an open seminar on oral history recording, to empower participants to document local history. Following the seminar, we helped establish the Andros Oral History Group.
Education &
Capacity Building
In our seminar centre on Andros we run regular training sessions for our trail maintenance volunteers (Route Angels) as well as a programme of seminars. Our programme has included educational seminars on Interpreting Heritage, Recording Oral History and European Standards for walking path development.
PATH
MAINTEnance
Every second week-end in Spring, Autumn and Winter we lead path maintenance hikes on Andros that are open to all. The hikes are often combined with cultural activities and nature-focused events. Everyone is welcome!
ANDROS ROUTES
Since 2009 we have worked to revive a 240km network of ancient paths across the island, making Andros the only island in Europe that has a continuous long-distance hiking trail with the prestigious quality certification ‘A Leading Quality Trail’ from the European Ramblers Association.
Oral History
In 2009, we began our journey into Andriot oral history by recording testimonies from residents of the Apoikia and Stenia settlements. In 2021, we hosted an open seminar on oral history recording, welcoming all who were interested. This seminar aimed to empower participants to document local history. Following the seminar, we helped establish the Andros Oral History Group.
EDUCATION & CAPACITY BUILDING
In our seminar centre on Andros we run regular training sessions for our trail maintenance volunteers (Route Angels) as well as a programme of seminars. Our programme has included educational seminars on Interpreting Heritage, Recording Oral History and European Standards for walking path development.
Local Produce
Our digital map of producers and retailers of local Andros products
Preserving the Natural and Cultural Heritage of Andros
Our Strategic Projects and Initiatives
Traditional Stewardship
of Water Resources
A project to understand the most precious resource of Andros, water. The project was planned in 2023 and is focused on the study of traditional water management in the central massif of Andros, meticulously documenting all water sources in settlements within the study area. The action is supported by the Cycladic Identity initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art and was completed at the end of April 2024.
Discover Andros Heritage on the footpaths
We are conducting a comprehensive digital recording of our 240 km marked hiking network, documenting points of natural and cultural interest. This includes identifying and recording any damage to dry stone walls and assessing available infrastructure. Our work involves thorough literature research to document selected points of interest, creating detailed maps for each route, and developing promotional materials. The action is submitted and included in the NSRP of the South Aegean Region for Social and Solidarity Economy bodies.
Agriculture & memory initiative
A series of initiatives to preserve and promote the iconic stone-paved sections of hiking routes in three areas of Andros. The inititives combined the work on the physical lanscape with a study and support of Andriot agri-food traditions in the area. This proposal, which we submitted in 2021 to the Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture, has received their support and patronage.
LOCAL HERITAGE IN THREE VILLAGES
A set of project initiatives for the participatory recording of local heritage in three regions of Andros. The projects are being run in collaboration with local Andriot Cultural Associations and scientists. This proposal, which we submitted in 2020 to the Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture, has received their support and patronage.
Preserving the Natural and Cultural Heritage of Andros
Our Strategic Projects and Initiatives
Traditional Stewardship of Water Resources
A project to understand the most precious resource of Andros, water. The project was planned in 2023 and is focused on the study of traditional water management in the central massif of Andros, meticulously documenting all water sources in settlements within the study area. The action is supported by the Cycladic Identity initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art and was completed at the end of April 2024.
Discover Andros Heritage on the footpaths
We are conducting a comprehensive digital recording of our 240 km marked hiking network, documenting points of natural and cultural interest. This includes identifying and recording any damage to dry stone walls and assessing available infrastructure. Our work involves thorough literature research to document selected points of interest, creating detailed maps for each route, and developing promotional materials. The action is submitted and included in the NSRP of the South Aegean Region for Social and Solidarity Economy bodies.
AGRICULTURE & MEMORY INITIATIVE
A series of initiatives to preserve and promote the iconic stone-paved sections of hiking routes in three areas of Andros. The inititives combined the work on the physical lanscape with a study and support of Andriot agri-food traditions in the area. This proposal, which we submitted in 2021 to the Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture, has received their support and patronage.
LOCAL HERITAGE IN 3 VILLAGES
A set of project initiatives for the participatory recording of local heritage in three regions of Andros. The projects are being run in collaboration with local Andriot Cultural Associations and scientists. This proposal, which we submitted in 2020 to the Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture, has received their support and patronage.
Our PAST PROJECTS
ON FOOT FESTIVAL
2018 & 2019
In October 2018, around 1000 pairs of feet walked the paths of Andros with us, as participants in the 1st Andros on Foot Festival. As a result of the enthusiasm of those who participated in the 1st Andros on Foot Festival, we held the 2nd Andros on Foot Festival in October 2019.
CLEAN GREEN ANDROS
2020 - 2023
A project for a cleaner and greener Andros for everyone. The goal is to change behaviour at the individual and collective level and specifically to reduce disposable plastics, increase composting and recycling.
Our Past ProJECTS
ON FOOT FESTIVALS
2018 & 2019
In October 2018, around 1000 pairs of feet walked the paths of Andros with us, as participants in the 1st Andros on Foot Festival. As a result of the enthusiasm of those who participated in the 1st Andros on Foot Festival, we held the 2nd Andros on Foot Festival in October 2019.
CLEAN GREEN ANDROS
2020 -2023
A project for a cleaner and greener Andros for everyone. The goal is to change behaviour at the individual and collective level and specifically to reduce disposable plastics, increase composting and recycling.
of regularly maintained hiking paths
active volunteers
maintenance walks since 2017
maintenance walk participants since 2017
pairs of feet on the trails at 2 walking festivals
oral histories recorded
Our Mission
Protect
The protection of the unique and endangered nature of Andros & the Andriotic landscape
Research Record Revival
The research, recording & revival of the cultural heritage of Andros
Support
The support and encouragement of sustainable tourism in Andros
If you are interested in helping us achieve our goals or simply want to know more about our actions, please click below to get in touch
