OUR ‘HOME’

Eleni Atsikbasis Lesvos…our island is in much distress by forces that are complicated and difficult to comprehend. How can we understand where and how to begin to approach and tackle the issues at hand, pick up the pieces, restore and rebuild? At the forefront, many of us helped and continue to help refugees yet, at the same time we want to be sure we’re making a difference in the long run – not just facilitating Europe’s failure to deal with the situation thus, destroying our vibrance and livelihood in the process.

This is why I believe we should be talking strategy for the entire island, the local communities and all guests arriving on the island. ‘Our Lesvos’; What is it? What was it? What should it be? How can we heal the island, stay in touch with the human side and improve the degrading lives of the local people: here, now and, beyond?

The economic crisis hit hard and, while Greece continues to work to recover, Lesvos being at the frontline of a humanitarian crisis makes Lesvos uninviting. We must not wait to fix our troubles…we are running out of time if we wait for governments and officials to pull together. This is why we have to look deep within and beyond ourselves to understand the challenges ahead and implement new ways forward:

Step up – and step it up and, all together we can make this happen !

Join me and others to make Lesvos a dynamic Living Lab for the communal search, design and implementation of our ‘new’ Lesvos.

Please contact us for any inquiry; make a donation; or join and share our initiative.

Eleni Atsikbasis

Healing Lesvos

THE THEMES THE LIVING LAB WILL EXPLORE AND ADOPT

Countless projects and initiatives can be defined to help heal Lesvos. Ranging from huge multi-year projects that will require R&D, organisation and funding, to small, extremely localised initiatives that, for example, solidify the business model of a local business.

Basically, everything is possible as long as they can be plotted within the 4 themes.

UPCYCLING WASTE MATERIAL

Recycling the excessive waste flows left by the refugees (life-vests, wooden and rubber boats parts, clothing, etc) into functional consumer products. This will stimulate employment and create extra revenues that can be used for other initiatives.

NEW FORMS OF TOURISM

Introducing new forms of tourism like, athletic tourism, agro & eco-tourism, medical/wellness-tourism, emotional tourism and social volunteerism. This of course also includes outdoor adventurers, yoga and spiritual explorers, and entrepreneurs.

ALTERNATIVE USE OF VACANT PROPERTIES

Countless square meters of real estate on Lesvos are empty. Vacant buildings drain the area of life, interaction and economy. What benefits can be created for Lesvos if these empty spaces, homes and stores are approached and occupied differently?

AUTHENTIC LANDSCAPE

In 2011 all of Lesvos was declared a UNESCO Geopark, with amazing sites including, the wetlands, the petrified forest, the natural thermal springs and exquisite wildlife and woodlands. We need to preserve our landscape – while attracting more visitors!

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

As said, there are several different projects and initiatives open, some already underway and, others not yet started. And of course, you bring along your own set of skills, knowledge and interests (and, let’s not forget your time limits).

That means there are many opportunities and elements where your participation and contribution will help Lesvos achieve enduring impact and sustainability.

We continuously strive for more clarity and structure as the ground situation changes and develops as well as, resources and funding for the Healing Lesvos program. As we progress you can find updates on ongoing projects here, but for now, simply shoot us a message if you’re interested in participating and together we’ll figure out a way to create a win-win collaboration and situation.