Natural Environment
The MaNet Project initially places the cultural activity of the Mastorochoria communities within a spatial context through the geographical definition of the territory and the empirical, experiential and intuitional approach, in order to ‘address the holistic and concrete nature of [the] existing environment [and] […] values’, and to access authentic local identity. This methodological process ultimately leads to local knowledge of the Mastorochoria in tune with the place-based approach of the MaNet Project. The approach is based on the assumption that the natural environment is one of several axes of regional development (Ganiatsas 2013:73; 2011a:9; COPTA 2011; Nitsiakos 2008:11,20-22; Geertz 1983:4). In the highland of Epirus, the northwest geographical region of Greece, the mountainous villages of Mastorochoria occupy approximately 1.000km2 of the northern part of the Ioannina Prefecture. The 28 Mastorochoria settlements are located in an imposing natural landscape at the middle altitudes (700-1.600m), on the slopes of two of the biggest mountains of North Pindus, Smollikas (2.637m), eastwards, and Grammos (2.520m), northwards. The aforementioned majestic mountains, along with Mt Tymfi (2.497m) and other smaller6 form the geographical, national and international boundaries of the territory and give it its distinctive geomorphology and unique natural beauty (Nitsiakos 2008:9; Papaioannou 2008:9-22).
The Mastorochoria territory is principally defined by the flow of Sarantaporos River between Grammos and Smolikas. The river is regarded as the nodal point that unifies the natural and cultural forces of the area of study. Two other rivers have a noticeable influence on the territory: the Aoos and the Voidomatis River. Furthermore, the surface waters’ variety is enriched by the presence of alpine and subalpine lakes at high altitudes on the mountains. Ground waters are also rich in the area, due to the high geodynamic energy of NW Greece. Hot water springs of economic value, have been detected in the Konitsa plateau and in three villages (Amarandos, Langada, Pixaria). The presence of these rich aquatic elements plays a decisive role in the morphology of the natural environment, as it transforms and gives life to the continental territory of the Mastorochoria (Map 1; Nitsiakos 2008:23-25; Papaioannou 2008:10,160; Skoulikidis et al. 2008:422,432; Fytikas et al. 2000).
The current concave morphology of Mastorochoria territory owes its particular attractiveness to the complex geological and climatic processes that occurred millions of years ago. This invaluable range of information on the Mastorochoria geomorphology underscores the scientific and utilitarian value of the particular territory. Fluvial networks, subterranean waters, alpine lakes and ridges, hillsides, mountains, gorges, crags, boulders, and massifs are the most remarkable environmental features of the complex physiognomy of Mastorochoria (Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre 2014; Ratios 2013; Tourloukis 2010; Theodosiou et al. 2009; Nitsiakos 2008:9; Papaioannou 2008:17-21; Skoulikidis et al. 2008:429-431; Hughes, Gibbered & Woodward 2006; Hughes 2004; Lewin, Macklin & Woodward 1991).
The multifarious geomorphologic, geological and geophysical traits of the natural environment facilitate local micro-climatic conditions, which contribute to the continuous evolution and presence of rich and diverse flora and fauna. The Mastorochoria area, in general, is characterized by a moderate Sub-Mediterranean climate with cold winters and frequent snowfall and rain. Under these environmental conditions five distinct types of ecosystems along with other smaller, those of rocky slopes, canyons, lakes and rivers, unfold in the surrounding area. They sustain a noteworthy affluence of endemic and relict species of plants and animals, primarily due to the variety of waters and the Balkans’ long geo-heritage (Gerasimidis et al. 2009; Nitsiakos 2008:9-11; Papaioannou 2008:13-22,45; Savić 2008; Skoulikidis et al. 2008:426-435; Tzedakis 1994). The rich biodiversity along with the fact that most species have been listed as rare, protected or endangered at a both national and European level, are substantial factors in the increased significance and singularity of the Mastorochoria natural environment (Hellenic Republic 2012a; 2011; 2010; 2008; 2005; 1998; 1981; European Parliament & Council 2009; 1992). The geographical space of Mastorochoria provides a context for life itself as a functional system where material processes, natural vegetation and living organisms interact in a perpetual motion within circular time. However, the environment is not a concrete material base in which abstract notions of space are reflected in the natural elements. It is a visual and morphological manifestation of the social bonds in the Mastorochoria. The first traces of human presence in the territory appeared 250.000 years ago (Gerasimidis et al. 2009). As a result, the natural environment has been nourished by man since prehistory, a fact that contributed to its transformation to such an extent that its original state has almost disappeared. Thus the geographical analysis of Mastorochoria additionally provides a base to ‘rediscover’, decipher and slowly unravel the ‘almost unperceptible’ structural, historical, social, political and economic truths (Braudel 1995:23).