The Fountain Of The Kastaniani Forest Cooperative
Hands-On Workshop on Traditional Water Infrastructure
Kastaniani, Mastorochoria, Epirus, Greece
02/08/2026 – 06/08/2026
The third consecutive hands-on workshop focused on restoring traditional water infrastructure in the Mastorochoria region of Konitsa. Hosted in the outskirts of the settlement of Kastaniani, this experiential initiative aims to secure fresh drinking water for people and wildlife alike. Participants will help restore the cooperative’s fountain and build a small-scale water collection infrastructure. The workshop is implemented as part of the Connectivity Conservation Initiative for Fresh Drinking Water Phase II project.
The experiential workshop
The five-day workshop (02/08/2026 – 06/08/2026) is aimed at fifteen (15) participants from Greece and abroad, who have a background or interest in traditional crafts, architecture, cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and alternative tourism. The workshop will combine theory and practice, lectures, community activities, and field visits, while simultaneously supporting the restoration work on the existing fountain of the Kastaniani Forest Cooperative.
The workshop will take place at a remote outdoor location requiring a daily 60-minute hike each way, and participants must be prepared to engage in physical handwork under variable weather conditions.
Craftspeople, Instructors, and Participants
The workshop will be guided by craftspeople with local knowledge and the Boulouki team.
In total, fifteen (15) people will be trained in traditional building techniques. The workshop focuses heavily on restoring the water collection infrastructure, the fountain, and its wooden watering trough, alongside carefully landscaping the surrounding area. Throughout the process, the overall project will be managed safely and responsibly, with a focus on minimizing the environmental footprint of the construction itself. Alongside the practical work, all participants will have the opportunity to attend open evening lectures focusing on the protection and management of natural resources, the environment, wildlife, and forests.
Finally, throughout the workshop, participants will engage in walks and activities with the local community. These shared experiences are designed to delve deeper into local environmental challenges and highlight the importance of protecting the area’s natural and architectural heritage.
Important Information and Dates
- Total Available Positions: fifteen (15)
- Location: Kastaniani, Mastorochoria, Epirus, Greece
- Workshop dates: 02 August– 06 August 2026
- Participants may also come from abroad.
- Application deadline: 08 June 2026
- Notification of acceptance: by 15 June 2026
- Participation Cost: Participation in the workshop is offered free of charge
- Αccommodation* alternatives:
– There is an option of free accommodation in a shared space in Kastaniani village (places are limited to 10).
– There is also an option of paid accommodation in a guesthouse in Kastaniani.
*Selection will be based on the application, and details will be provided individually to successful applicants.
Included: Participation in the workshop, provision of materials, protective equipment, and tools, as well as civil liability insurance.
Not included: Travel expenses to and from Kastaniani, accommodation costs, and all personal expenses. These are the exclusive responsibility of the participants.
For further information, please contact
email: workshop@boulouki.org
tel: +30211 1828348
The workshop is carried out within the framework of the CONSERVE CONNECT with the support of the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust – PONT and The A.G. Leventis Foundation. The workshop is co-organized by Boulouki, Callisto, Municipality of Konitsa, Local Community of Kastaniani, Adelphotita of Kastanianites of Konitsa, and Progressive Cultural Association of Kastaniani “Agios Nikolaos”.
Photos by: Grigoris Koutropoulos
