Organiser's profile

Hi! I’m Stavros, and I’m one of the founders of ECOTOPIA, a social cooperative enterprise dedicated to reviving my ancestral village, Kalohori, in the heart of the Kalamas Valley in Epirus, Greece. Growing up, I experienced the slow depopulation of our village as families moved to cities or abroad in search of better opportunities. With fewer and fewer people left to care for the land, the once-thriving rural communities have faced decline. But my connection to this place has always remained strong. That’s why I, along with a group of fellow locals and descendants, decided to take action. We’ve come together to launch ECOTOPIA with the vision of bringing life back to Kalohori and other villages in the Kalamas Valley. Our goal is to create a sustainable future for the area by restoring traditional homes, reopening the village café, and creating eco-tourism and farming projects that will support the local community while also preserving its unique culture and natural beauty. In my professional life, I have extensive experience working in social protection, humanitarian programs, and environmental initiatives. Having worked with International organizations and UN Agencies in Greece and abroad, I have gained invaluable skills in project coordination, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and promoting sustainability and social justice. These experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and tools to lead ECOTOPIA and bring meaningful change to Kalohori and the Kalamas Valley. This crowdfunding campaign is the first step in our journey. With your support, we aim to cover essential start-up expenses, like the restoration of homes, café equipment, and preparations for our organic gardens and eco-tourism activities. By contributing, you’re not only helping us bring life back to our village, but you’re also investing in the future of rural Greece. Join me on this journey to protect our heritage, create a sustainable future, and bring Kalohori back to life!