The Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Humanity (MedINA), in collaboration with Green Tank, presents the project «Alliance for Sustainable Local Development – SymATA» which is being implemented as part of the Active Citizens Fund program.
The Alliance for Sustainable Local Development (SymATA) has as its ultimate goal the revitalization of rural areas by the communities themselves through the support and development of local civil society organizations.
The exodus from rural areas—primarily by young people—and the decline in vitality and prospects in many regions, as well as the inadequate utilization and promotion of rural areas’ strengths in the context of, make it imperative to strengthen the organizations active in these areas. SymATA’s efforts provide practical support for this need through a comprehensive framework for supporting its members.
As part of SyMaTA, the following groups have joined forces: the Initiative Group, consisting of 6 national and supranational organizations with the willingness and expertise, and the Member Network, which consists of 12 local civil society organizations active in the areas of nature, culture, and sustainable development (the members of SymATA are listed in detail below).
From the very beginning, the Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development (KIPA) has responded to this new call, building on the successful initiatives and programs carried out in Kythira in collaboration with MedINA since 2017. The main objectives are to strengthen KIPA and deepen the collaboration between the two organizations, resulting in the further development of public-benefit activities in Kythira.
The implementation of SymaTA began in January 2022. In May, the first official introductory and networking meeting for all members took place, followed by an assessment of the Network’s activities and the support and further training needs of its members.
Through questionnaires, the identity of the 12 organizations that make up the SymATA Member Network was outlined, and their goals, skills, and challenges were identified. In addition, the key issues they face at the policy level, their experience to date, and their advocacy needs, with the aim of shaping the upcoming advocacy workshop and developing a strategy to support SymATA’s joint advocacy actions in the future.
The organizations identify fundraising, communication, and good governance as key prerequisites for their smooth operation and development, with an overwhelming majority stating that the challenges they face lie not only in these areas but also in staff training, strategic planning, and organizational issues. Noteworthy is the mention of a total of 245 volunteers who regularly participate in their activities. At the same time, the organizations recognize advocacy at the national and European levels as equally critical, while prioritizing both the protection and development of their local communities.
To support organizations in this effort, the advocacy workshop to be held in July 2022 will present the key points of environmental policy and sustainable development policy, what advocacy is, what advocacy methods and tools are available, and what information sources exist on topics of interest. In the fall, training seminars will be organized on topics such as
sustainable local development and resource mobilization, as well as targeted support for internal organization and governance.
By the end of the year, SymATA members will have jointly developed a roadmap that will outline SymATA’s vision, identity, and values as a foundation for its further development.
«SymATA is a journey through Greece’s civil society that is just beginning. We’re on the same page, and we’re turning the page together.».
-Miranda Vatikioti, Project Manager, MedINA
«We are participating in this project, drawing inspiration from the extensive experience of the «Member Network,» in order to strengthen the organizations» capabilities and thereby contribute to the development of SyMATA as an active civil society network for promoting sustainable local development in our country.”.
-Ioli Christopoulou, Policy Director, The Green Tank
The members of SimATA
Initiative Group:
- The Nonprofit Organization «Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Humanity (MedINA)»
- The think tank «The Green Tank», Non-profit Civil Society
- The independent, nonprofit educational organization American Farm School
- The Nonprofit Corporation Cyclades Preservation Fund(CPF)
- The private, nonprofit public-benefit foundation «Captain Vassilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation»
- The «Laboratory of Economic Policy and Strategic Planning (Erg.O.Pol.S.S.)» of the Department of Economics – University of ThessalyMembers Network:Anemonesa
Ano Meria of SyrosSustainable Development - cob.grInstitute of Creativity Research and Development of the Region of Thermos (IDEPATH)Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development (KIPA))
Youth Social Development (YDS)
Cultural Sports Association of the Mountainous Region of Xanthi
Messolonghi by locals - Messolonghi by locals
The project «Alliance for Sustainable Local Development (SymATA)» is being implemented as part of the Active Citizens Fund program, with MedINA as the implementing organization and The Green Tank as a partner.
The Active Citizens Fund program, totaling €13.5 million, is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, and is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism for the period 2014–2021, known as the EEA Grants. The program aims to strengthen and enhance the sustainability of civil society and to highlight its role in promoting democratic processes, to strengthen citizen participation in public life, and to defend human rights. The Bodossaki Foundation and SolidarityNow are jointly managing the Active Citizens Fund grant for Greece.
Read more here: www.activecitizensfund.gr
USEFUL INFORMATION & LINKS:
Project «Alliance for Sustainable Local Development (Coalition for Sustainable Local Development)»
Active citizens fund
MedINA
The Green Tank
Captain Vassilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulou Foundation
For more information, please contact:
Miranda Vatikioti, miranda@med-ina.org, Project manager, MedINA
