On Friday, 21 February 2025, Mountain Partnership member, the University of the Mountains (UOM) visited the village of Gra Lygia in the Lassithi region of Crete, to carry out a series of community-focused activities.

The visit is part of a project led by the UOM for residents of mountain and island communities, aimed at promoting equal access to learning opportunities, enhancing awareness of the region's geographic, economic, social, and cultural characteristics, and improving health conditions of residents. The project also places a strong focus on preserving the region's deep-rooted traditions and production methods.

The Lassithi region is dominated by the Dikti and Sitia mountain ranges. The valleys of the region are home to fertile soils, and the residents of Gra Lygia are primarily employed in agriculture, the community's main source of income.

The UOM's visit was attended by many of the residents. Bringing together all ages, the activities of the day included open discussions, from agrifood systems and self-sufficiency, sustainable agriculture and livestock, nature and the local ecosystems, tourism and local traditions. The UOM aims to ensure the protection of centuries-old traditions and production methods in Crete.

On the day, the UOM also paid a visit to the village's schools, where they promoted mutual learning between teachers and students, from both mountainous and urban areas. The children were taught about self-sufficiency and traditional craftsmanship from the region.

One of UOM’s pioneering initiatives, the ‘Penelope Gandhi Mission’, aims to revive the art of weaving across Greece. The project also encourages the cultivation of plants for natural thread production. Children and adults alike learned about the traditional art of Cretan weaving, which originates back to ancient times.

As part of the visit to Gra Lygia, the UOM also invited specialists from the University of Crete, who provided free health checks for residents of the village.

The UOM's initiative is more than an educational exchange, it is a way of ensuring that tradition is not lost in modern times. By engaging school children in activities that promote their cultural heritage, they are creating future generations that will value and continue the traditions of their ancestors. Ensuring that residents are informed about sustainable management of their lands, the UOM has helped ensure that local residents can act as stewards for their region.