Search Results (44)

Globalization, climate change and the energy crisis are having a negative impact on the agricultural sector. Moreover, in Greece, producers need to invest in modernizing their farms, introducing innovations, achieve digital transformation and increase productivity. Incentives are available for green investments, thus facilitating the adoption of innovations. This paper examines the attitudes and perceptions of winegrowers in Western Macedonia regarding environmental protection and organic farming. Specifically, with the help of the k-means algorithm, respondents are divided into two groups. The first group consists of producers who have a negative attitude towards environmental issues and have a lower level of education, while the second group consists of those who have a positive attitude. In the first group in particular, most respondents do not seem to have a good knowledge of environmental protection issues, believe that cross-compliance is very stringent and do not have a high level of education. This means that policy measures must be taken to adequately inform and educate farmers belonging to this group to achieve the goal of environmental protection. The results of the second group include producers with a positive attitude, who are expected to play an important role in the development of sustainable viticulture by creating conditions for a better future at an individual, regional and social level. Full article

Air pollution from lignite combustion represents a major environmental and public health concern, particularly for cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the relationship between ambient air pollution and hospital admissions for Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in Western Macedonia, Greece—a region historically dominated by lignite mining and power generation. Air quality data for PM₁₀, SO₂, and NO_x from 2011–2014 and 2021 were analyzed alongside hospital admission records from four regional hospitals (Kozani, Ptolemaida, Florina, Grevena). Spatial analyses revealed significantly higher pollutant concentrations and cardiovascular admissions in high-exposure areas near power plants compared with the control area. Temporal analyses demonstrated a pronounced decline in pollutant levels between 2014 and 2021, coinciding with lignite phase-out and accompanied by a marked reduction in ACS and AF hospitalizations, particularly in the high-exposure areas of Ptolemaida and Florina. Correlation analyses indicated modest but significant positive associations between monthly pollutant concentrations and cardiovascular admissions. These findings provide real-world evidence that reductions in air pollution following lignite decommissioning were associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. The study underscores the medical importance of air quality improvement and highlights emission reduction as a critical strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention in transitioning energy regions. Full article

This study evaluates the feasibility of establishing a new strawberry cultivation zone in the Region of Florina, Northern Greece, as a strategy to support rural revitalization and agricultural diversification. Day-neutral strawberry genotypes were cultivated under net-house conditions at the University of Western Macedonia and assessed for physiological traits (SPAD index, chlorophyll fluorescence) and fruit quality (weight, color, firmness, °Brix, titratable acidity); while postharvest behavior was evaluated after seven days of cold storage. Statistical analysis identified genotypes with superior physiological performance and storability. Preliminary economic analysis suggests that their adoption could increase growers’ income by 20–30% compared to conventional varieties. The findings support the development of a strawberry production zone in Florina, with broader implications for sustainable agricultural intensification and rural development in underutilized European regions. Full article

This study investigates thermal stress and energy-related anxiety as lived, multidimensional manifestations of energy poverty in Western Macedonia, Greece, a coal phase-out region undergoing just transition. Using a 261-household survey, we construct a thermal stress index from four Likert-type items capturing seasonal thermal adequacy, energy anxiety, and restricted use of rooms. High thermal stress is defined as the upper quartile of the index. Descriptive results indicate that high thermal stress affects 27.2% of households, exceeding a 20% threshold, while energy-related anxiety and restricted room use are widespread. We then estimate logistic regression models to examine whether vulnerability characteristics (disability-related thermal/electric needs, single parenthood, dependent children, benefit receipt, elderly presence), financial stress indicators (arrears, energy debt, frequent forced reductions in consumption), and socio-economic controls (income, employment, tenure, age, gender) predict high thermal stress. Adjusted models show that vulnerability markers do not retain statistically independent associations once controls are included. In contrast, tenure and energy-related financial stress are significantly associated with the probability of high thermal stress. The findings highlight the importance of measurement choices and suggest that experiential indicators capture energy-poverty dynamics that are not reducible to income-based targeting, with implications for just-transition policy design and energy justice. Full article

Western Macedonia, the leading power-producing region in Greece, has long depended on thermoelectric plants and lignite mining. To reach climate neutrality by 2050, Greece is undergoing a delignitization process aiming to shut down all lignite plants. This structural reconstruction of the energy model will mainly affect society, the economy, the environment, and agriculture. Strengthening efforts to support lignite-dependent areas are essential for this transition. Bioeconomy could be one of the main pillars for the post-lignite era in the Western Macedonia Region (WMR). This paper explores the gender dimension in the adoption of bioeconomy practices and innovativeness among farmers in the Region of Western Macedonia. Based on 331 structured questionnaires and a Two-Step Cluster Analysis, the research identifies five farmer clusters and then correlates the clusters with Rogers’s theory of diffusion of innovations. The findings identify a dynamic group of young female farmers leading the diffusion of innovation, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable agricultural transitions and the need for gender-responsive policies in regional bioeconomy strategies. Full article

Air pollution constitutes a major environmental determinant of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Western Macedonia, Greece, has historically hosted the largest lignite mining and combustion complex in Southeastern Europe, creating a unique exposure environment. This study investigates the relationship between air pollutant concentrations and cardiovascular hospital admissions over a ten-year period in this lignite-dependent region. Daily concentrations of particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and total nitrogen oxides (NO_x) were collected from regional monitoring stations for the winters of 2011–2021, while corresponding daily cardiovascular hospital admissions were obtained from the regional hospitals of Kozani, Ptolemaida, Florina, and Grevena. Spearman’s rank correlations and Friedman’s non-parametric tests were applied to assess temporal and spatial associations between pollutant levels and hospital admissions. A marked decline in air pollutant concentrations, particularly PM₁₀ and SO₂, was observed across the decade, coinciding with a significant reduction in cardiovascular hospitalizations. Specifically, PM₁₀ levels fell from ~75 μg/m³ to ~30 μg/m³ in Florina and from ~53 μg/m³ to ~11 μg/m³ in Ptolemaida, while SO₂ concentrations decreased by more than 90% across all sites. Cardiovascular admissions declined by 20–40% depending on the region over the same period. Significant but modest positive correlations were detected between PM₁₀ and admissions in Florina (ρ = 0.138, p = 0.017), SO₂ in Ptolemaida (ρ = 0.122, p = 0.034), and NO₂ in Kozani (ρ = 0.115, p = 0.045). Regions located near lignite combustion sites consistently exhibited higher pollutant levels and hospitalization rates. The study provides quantitative evidence linking air pollution from lignite combustion to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The parallel decline in both pollution levels and hospital admissions underscores the cardiovascular benefits of emission reduction and the ongoing energy transition in Western Macedonia. Continuous air quality monitoring and preventive public health measures remain essential for safeguarding cardiovascular health in former coal-based regions. Full article

Surveys and excavations carried out between 2004 and 2019 around the Vlach town of Samarina, in the Pindos Mountains of Western Macedonia (Greece), have yielded potsherds that can be attributed to different historical periods. The data collected so far suggest a long human presence in this region of the northern Pindos spanning from the Middle Pleistocene to the late Middle Ages. The ceramic fragments from the Historical Camp (HC), Kirkouri (KRK), the Holy Cross Church (SMC), Mt. Anitsa (Anitsa), Avgo (VGO), the Mirminda Pass (VLC), Mt. Vasilitsa (VSL), and the saddle between Mts. Bogdhani and Gurguliu have been studied in detail. Despite their fragmentary state, a database has been created with the morphological and typological characteristics of the potsherds and the sites from which they were retrieved. Coarse and fine ware potsherds have been identified. According to their manufacturing characteristics, they can be attributed to different Roman and medieval periods. A diassarion of the Larissa mint shows that connections between the mountain highlands and the lowlands were already active during the period of Emperor Augustus. The Samarina potsherds are probably related to the movements of Vlach shepherds, who spent long periods in these mountains with their flocks. This impression is confirmed by the presence of one vessel wall fragment which was directly in contact with fire and a few small vessel bases. The presence of ceramic vases is closely linked to the transportation of primary or secondary food supplies in a pre-cooked form or as liquids. We know that Vlach shepherds, as many other groups of Eurasian shepherds, never manufactured ceramic vessels even in their villages. Instead, they used different types of wooden and metal containers for cooking, drinking, and other tasks associated with pastoral activities, such as keeping milk and making cheese and butter, for example. Following these observations, our aim has been to define the vessel types used by the Vlach shepherds, which exhibit some kind of uniformity from the Roman to the Middle Ages. Full article

Discrimination of geographical origin can satisfy the demand for food authenticity while decreasing the risk of adulteration in high-quality food products. Rice is among the most important cultivated crops worldwide, providing food for more than half of the Earth’s population. The aim of this study is to discriminate the geographical origin of rice cultivated in three regions: Agrinio (Western Greece), Serres, and Chalastra (Central Macedonia). In total, 120 samples were collected from Agrinio and 160 samples from Serres during each cultivation period (2021 and 2022), as well as 90 samples from Chalastra (sampling periods 2023 and 2024). The isotope ratios of the light elements (C, N, and S) were measured using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), and the results obtained were analyzed using chemometric techniques, one-way ANOVA, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), and a decision tree algorithm. The mean values of delta permille (δ ‰) calculated from the one-way ANOVA were δ¹⁵N = 4.64‰, δ¹³C = −26.8‰, and δ³⁴S = 3.62 for rice from Agrinio; δ¹⁵N = 5.34‰, δ¹³C = −26.1‰, and δ³⁴S = −0.903 for rice from Serres; and δ¹⁵N = 5.90‰, δ¹³C = −28‰, and δ³⁴S = 4.01 for rice from Chalastra. The decision tree algorithm achieved high accuracy (91.9%), sensitivity (from 86.1% for Agrinio to 97.9% for Serres), and specificity. The results obtained from the decision tree algorithm show that this method could be used to discriminate rice cultivars from the three Greek regions. Full article

Media coverage plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception of the energy transition. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how the lignite phase-out is represented in Greece, both by national and regional media, with a specific focus on the impacted region of Western Macedonia. Using data from the Leipzig Corpora Collection and regional news portals from 2013 to 2022, the analysis reveals significant divergences between media levels. While both show synchronized peaks for key terms like “Climate change” (2019) and “Western Macedonia” (2021), regional media addressed the direct impacts of the transition earlier and more intensely, with terms like “post-lignite” and “de-lignification” peaking in 2020 following the announcement of the Master Plan. National media framed the transition within a broader, top-down policy context, often with an optimistic tone, reflecting EU directives. In contrast, regional media provided a community-centric perspective, highlighting concerns over job losses and the preservation of local identity. The findings underscore a clear tension between official narratives of progress and local-level concerns, demonstrating that media discourse is a critical, multi-faceted component of just transition processes that policymakers must consider. Full article

Livestock plays a crucial role in the global food system, not only as an important source of nutrients but also as a means of economic and social well-being. It constitutes a critical parameter of agricultural production in Mediterranean countries, with the majority of farms still having a relatively small herd size and depending largely on family labor. The purpose of this study is to record and evaluate the perceptions of livestock farmers in the Region of Western Macedonia, Greece (which represents a typical paradigm of an agricultural region), regarding the future prospects and the actions taken to ensure the sustainability of their farms. The research is based on a survey carried out from May to October, 2024, on ruminant farmers. Selective breeding and crossbreeding with higher-productivity breeds are some of the genetic improvements that are generally applied to increase productivity and were, therefore, investigated in this study. Through gradual crossbreeding, farmers attempt to improve the composition of their initial herds by incorporating high-productivity traits—although without officially participating in any recognized improvement program. This increases the risk of extinction for indigenous breeds, which are abandoned for use by the farmers. Our results also showed that most livestock farms derive from inheritances, with many livestock farmers practicing grazing mainly in mountainous areas and still rearing indigenous breeds. From the farmers’ point of view, more information and education regarding market conditions are needed. Furthermore, the sustainability of farms largely depends on subsidies, which are crucial due to difficulties in economic viability, particularly in mountainous areas. Encouraging the support of market differentiation and public awareness for the nutritional value of products derived from local breeds may serve as a promising agrobiodiversity conservation strategy. Full article

This paper examines the farming systems and operational structures in the Region of Western Macedonia (RWM), Greece and constructs a typology of farms based on structural, operational, and socio-economic characteristics. Agriculture remains a vital pillar of the regional economy, particularly in the context of RWM’s ongoing transition to a post-lignite development model. Using farm-level data from the 2018 Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified four latent dimensions of farm heterogeneity—income and productivity, asset base, land size, and labour structure. Hierarchical and K-means cluster analysis revealed three distinct farm types: (1) medium-sized, high-efficiency farms with moderate reliance on subsidies (30% of the sample); (2) small-scale, family farms with modest productivity and limited capitalisation (48%); and (3) large, asset-rich farms exhibiting structural inefficiencies and lower output per hectare (22%). These findings highlight structural vulnerabilities, particularly the predominance of undercapitalised smallholdings, and provide a data-driven foundation for Thdesigning differentiated policies that support farm resilience, generational renewal, and sustainable rural development. Full article

Urban areas are responsible for most of Europe’s energy demand and emissions and urgently require building retrofits to meet climate neutrality goals. This study evaluates the energy efficiency potential of three public school buildings in western Macedonia, Greece—a cold-climate region with high heating needs. The buildings, constructed between 1986 and 2003, exhibited poor insulation, outdated electromechanical systems, and inefficient lighting, resulting in high oil consumption and low energy ratings. A robust methodology is applied, combining detailed on-site energy audits, thermophysical diagnostics based on U-value calculations, and a techno-economic assessment utilizing Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and SWOT analysis. The study evaluates a series of retrofit measures, including ceiling insulation, high-efficiency lighting replacements, and boiler modernization, against both technical performance criteria and financial viability. Results indicate that ceiling insulation and lighting system upgrades yield positive economic returns, while wall and floor insulation measures remain financially unattractive without external subsidies. The findings are further validated through sensitivity analysis and policy scenario modeling, revealing how targeted investments, especially when supported by public funding schemes, can maximize energy savings and emissions reductions. The study concludes that selective implementation of cost-effective measures, supported by public grants, can achieve energy targets, improve indoor environments, and serve as a replicable model of targeted retrofits across the region, though reliance on external funding and high upfront costs pose challenges. Full article

This study investigates the social and economic dimensions of Greece’s energy transition, focusing on the distinct contexts of mainland Western Macedonia and Insular Greece. Utilizing social innovation tools, including the Stakeholder Persona and the Iceberg Model, the research reveals significant regional variations in stakeholder concerns, priorities, and awareness levels regarding energy transition issues. Findings indicate that while Insular Greece prioritizes energy security and public acceptance of renewable energy solutions, mainland Greece emphasizes job security and economic diversification. The study highlights the necessity for tailored energy transition strategies that address local needs and foster community engagement. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of enhancing awareness and understanding of methodologies such as Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis to empower stakeholders in making informed decisions. Integrating insights from various layers of the Iceberg Model, this research provides a framework for developing innovative technologies and policies that support a fair and sustainable energy transition in Greece, ensuring that no community is left behind in the global shift towards sustainability. This comprehensive approach seeks to mitigate environmental impacts but also to create economic opportunities that align with each community’s social and cultural fabric. Full article

Atmospheric pollution due to an increased particulate matter (PM) concentration imposes a threat for human health. This is particularly true for regions with intensive industrial activity and nature-based solutions, such as tree plantations, are adopted to mitigate the phenomenon. Here, we report on the case of the lignite complex of western Macedonia (LCWM), the largest in Greece, where extensive Robinia pseudoacacia L. plantations have been established during the last 40 years for post-mining reclamation, but their PM retention capacity and the controlling parameters have not been assessed to date. Thus, during the 2021 growth season (May to October), we determined the PM10 capture by leaves sampled twice per month, across four 10-m long transects, each consisting of five trees, and at three different heights along the tree canopy. During the same period, we also measured the leaf area index (LAI) of the plantations and collected climatic data, as well as data on PM10 production by the belt conveyors system, the main polluting source at the site. We estimated that the plantations’ foliage captures on average c. 42.85 μg cm⁻² PM10 and we developed a robust linear model that describes PM10 retention on a leaf area basis, as a function of PM10 production, LAI (a proxy of seasonal changes in leaf area), distance from the emitting source, and wind speed and foliage height within the crown. The accuracy of the estimates and the performance of the model were tested with the bootstrap cross-validate resampling technique. PM10 retention increased in spring and early summer following the increase in LAI, but its peak in August and October was controlled by the highest PM10 production, due to elevated energy demands. Moreover, PM10 retention was facilitated by wind speed, and it was higher at the lower part of the trees’ canopy. On the contrary, the PM10 load on the trees’ foliage decreased with an increasing distance from the conveyor belt system and the frontline of the plantations. Our findings support the positive role of R. pseudoacacia plantations for PM10 retention at heavily polluted areas, such as the lignite mines in Greece, and provide a model for the estimation of PM10 retention by their foliage based on basic environmental drivers and characteristics of the plantations, which could be helpful for planning their future management. Full article

Regional competitiveness is essential for sustainable development, driven by complex and interrelated factors. This study applies the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess experts’ perspectives of the primary factors influencing regional competitiveness, including factors like the economy, the labor market, poverty and social inclusion, health, education, environmental sustainability, transport infrastructure, technology/science and the digital society, high-tech industry growth, and innovation. From a comprehensive list of over 250 regions in the EU, selection of regions was made based on their ranked Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI), from the region with the highest index to the region with the lowest index. This involved choosing one representative region from each of the fifty RCI rankings. The selected regions included SE11 (Stockholm, Sweden, RCI: 1.08), BE22 (the Flemish Region, Belgium, RCI: 0.46), FRH0 (Île-de-France, France, RCI: 0.11), ITC3 (Lombardy, Italy, RCI: −0.30), PL43 (Masovia, Poland, RCI: −0.69), and EL53 (Western Macedonia, Greece, RCI: −1.44). By applying the AHP methodology, the prioritization sequence of the aforementioned regions was validated, confirming the robustness of the ranking derived from the Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI). The AHP analysis reinforced the importance of addressing region-specific factors and highlighted the alignment of expert judgments with the established RCI-based rankings. This study highlights the critical role of region-specific factors in driving competitiveness and sustainable development, with the AHP methodology effectively validating the prioritization of regions and providing a robust framework for aligning expert insights with established rankings. Full article