The 5th Summer School of History and Economics (HISEC 2026), which took place in the remote village of Pogoni, Ioannina, from July 9–12, 2026, is part of a broader effort to study the socioeconomic transformations of mountainous regions, focusing on the historical and economic processes that have shaped the organization of production, communities, and mobility networks in the mountainous environments of southeastern Europe, while also highlighting opportunities and adaptation strategies emerging for local mountain communities today.

The Summer School brought together more than 40 academics, researchers, and members of civil society organizations, local agencies, and local government from the broader region of Epirus. During the program, participants explored key aspects related to mountainous areas as distinct fields of study that have shaped unique social structures and adaptation strategies, while also discussing and exchanging experiences regarding best practices, common challenges, and sustainable tourism strategies faced by vulnerable regions rich in cultural and natural heritage that are undergoing depopulation, such as Pogoni.

In this context, Michael-Angelos Chisiridis, a collaborator with the Mediterranean Environment Centre, had the opportunity to present the DETOUR project as an innovative approach to sustainable and resilient tourism development in areas with sensitive and valuable environmental and landscape features, during a short introductory walk in the Pogoni area, organised by the Kefalovryso Mountaineering and Nature Lovers’ Club of Ioannina.

DETOUR’s innovative approach, through the development of partnerships, skills, and networks, as well as adaptation to contemporary trends and needs in walking and cycling tourism, can serve as a best practice for tourism development in areas such as Pogoni, as part of a coordinated effort towards local development and regeneration.

We hope that DETOUR will inspire and empower both new and experienced tourism professionals, as well as members of local associations and communities, on the one hand, to develop their skills through the project’s online training platform and, on the other hand, to promote the trails and seek to link them to major walking routes, such as the Via Dinarica or the Epirus Trail, creating new opportunities for vision and employment and contributing to the resilient and sustainable development of their local area.

Further information here

[Credits: Mediterranean Centre of Environment]