A New Breath of life

ANIMA TERRA is a network of agricultural villages in Greece and the Mediterranean that are threatened by depopulation. It is a continuation of the initiative of the Cultural Organization " Routes of the Olive Tree" which began in 1998 in Kalamata, Greece, initiated by the then President of the Chamber of Messinia, George Karabatos, with the support of Greek Chambers and the Mediterranean. Today, it is recognized as a global cultural route for intercultural dialogue for Peace and Sustainable Development (UNESCO 2003, Council of Europe 2005, under the auspices of KEEE).

The "Routes of the Olive Tree" an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organization, does not seek funding from state entities for the implementation of its activities. Its income is based on the contributions of friends, companions, supporters, and the activities of the network of cultural routes of the Council of Europe.

We resist the economic downturn that limits the possibilities of action, leading to the depopulation of villages - the core of local traditions in some places - and condemns vulnerable social groups to disappearance.

We believe in the potential of the Chamber community and civil society organizations to strengthen cooperation and agricultural entrepreneurship within the framework of social solidarity and circular economy.