Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Support local fisherman and environmental protection.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

This tour is run by Oikoperiigitis, which was started years ago by Ioannis Reklos, who started his crusade to turn Kerkini into a sustainable tourism destination by opening the first local environmental support centre. Bit by bit, and after tireless work over time the "Ecological Centre Kerkinis - Mpelles" was completed, which is now known as Ojkoperjigitis.

The canoe tour is an ideal way for visitors to learn more about the fragility of these local eco-systems, and the negative impacts that human activities have had over the years. During the tour, your guide will also explain how changes to our behaviour can help to minimise the damage that is done to these amazing wonders of nature.

To help support the surrounding community, all staff employed by the tour are from Kerkini village, and are provided with ongoing training. Local fishermen have also had the opportunity to be trained, and have their boats repaired or improved in order to provide boat tours of the lake, thus creating further sustainable jobs.

Oikoperiigitis also develops various environmental training programs for schools and other local associations, and supports local producers including from the nearby Women/Agro-tourism Cooperatives - which are also promoted for sale to tourists. In terms of tourist, they provide various environmental and agro-tourism excursions for travellers to experience Kerkini's natural beauty.