{"id":1342,"date":"2026-05-17T11:00:39","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T11:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.fotoessa.gr\/?p=1342"},"modified":"2026-06-18T12:17:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T12:17:39","slug":"guardians-of-the-coasts-coasts-as-carriers-of-memory-identity-and-active-citizenship-project-partners-meet-with-zacharo-fratzeskou-president-of-the-cultural-association-fokaeon-politeia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.fotoessa.gr\/index.php\/2026\/05\/17\/guardians-of-the-coasts-coasts-as-carriers-of-memory-identity-and-active-citizenship-project-partners-meet-with-zacharo-fratzeskou-president-of-the-cultural-association-fokaeon-politeia\/","title":{"rendered":"Guardians of the Coasts: Coasts as Carriers of Memory, Identity and Active Citizenship – Project Partners Meet with Zacharo Fratzeskou, President of the Cultural Association Fokaeon Politeia"},"content":{"rendered":"

What inspires people to care for a place? And how does the desire to protect it begin?<\/strong><\/p>\n

These questions were at the heart of a meeting organised by FOTOESSA<\/strong> within the framework of the Erasmus+ project “Guardians of the Coasts”<\/strong>, bringing together the Portuguese partners Rita Sousa<\/strong> from Aequalitas<\/strong> and Rafaela Fortunato<\/strong> and Beatriz Pereira<\/strong> from Impactrip<\/strong>, together with Zacharo Fratzeskou<\/strong>, President of the Cultural Association Fokaeon Politeia<\/strong> and an official supporter of the project.<\/p>\n

The discussion extended well beyond the rich cultural and historical heritage of the wider area of Palaia Fokaia and Anavyssos. It explored a deeper dimension of coastal protection: the understanding that coastlines are not only natural ecosystems but also living repositories of history, culture and collective identity.<\/p>\n

Through the presentation of the area’s history, its remarkable terrestrial and underwater archaeological heritage, and the historical significance of the ancient harbour of Anavyssos within the maritime routes connecting Lavrion, Cape Sounion and Piraeus, participants reflected on how the natural and cultural environment form an inseparable part of the same shared heritage.<\/p>\n

Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of educating and inspiring younger generations to discover the history of their own communities and to develop a meaningful relationship with the places they call home.<\/p>\n

As Ms. Fratzeskou observed:<\/p>\n

“It is important to know the history of our own place. This is how we develop roots, feel proud of where we come from and learn to love it.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

The discussion then moved one step further, highlighting that understanding our own history does not lead to isolation. On the contrary, it opens the way to understanding others.<\/p>\n

When we truly know and appreciate the place we belong to, we become more capable of recognising the value of every other place. We realise that communities everywhere face similar challenges, share common aspirations and express the same human capacity for resilience, creativity and solidarity.<\/p>\n

This perspective closely reflects the principles of intercultural education and active citizenship that underpin the Guardians of the Coasts<\/strong> project. Protecting coastal areas is not only about preserving natural landscapes; it is equally about safeguarding the stories, memories and cultures that have shaped these places across generations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ms. Fratzeskou also presented the initiatives of the Fokaeon Politeia Cultural Association<\/strong> to document, preserve and promote the area’s cultural heritage, including an upcoming public event dedicated to the underwater archaeological remains of the ancient harbour. These initiatives share a common objective: strengthening citizens’ knowledge, participation and sense of responsibility towards their shared cultural heritage.<\/p>\n

Through meetings such as this, the project partners continue to gather experiences, good practices and diverse perspectives from different sectors of society. These contributions will become part of the educational Toolkit of Guardians of the Coasts<\/strong>, demonstrating how environmental protection, cultural heritage and active citizenship are deeply interconnected.<\/p>\n

The meeting with Zacharo Fratzeskou reminded us that coastlines are much more than geographical landscapes.<\/p>\n

They are places of memory.<\/p>\n

Places of encounter.<\/p>\n

Places where culture has travelled, evolved and connected people across generations.<\/p>\n

The better we understand their stories, the better we understand our shared responsibility to protect them\u2014for ourselves and for those who will follow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What inspires people to care for a place? And how does the desire to protect it begin? These questions were at the heart of a meeting organised by FOTOESSA within the framework of the Erasmus+ project “Guardians of the Coasts”, bringing together the Portuguese partners Rita Sousa from Aequalitas and Rafaela Fortunato and Beatriz Pereira<\/p>\n

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