The inaugural "FORESTIVAL", hosted by the Western Macedonia Model Forest on August 31st and September 1st, concluded with remarkable success, drawing visitors from across Greece to celebrate the rich diversity of the forest ecosystem.
The festival showcased a wide array of forest-related activities, products, and experiences, emphasizing the importance of forests in the region. Attendees explored stands featuring both wood and non-wood forest products, engaging with local producers and purchasing high-quality items such as mushrooms, aromatic plants, and forest honey. Visitors also had the chance to savor unique forest-inspired flavors from Western Macedonia, making the event a true celebration of nature’s bounty.
The festival catered to all ages, offering children the chance to participate in hands-on experiential games, educational workshops, and forest orientation activities. A highlight for many was listening to the sounds of plants and trees through specialized equipment, an experience that brought the forest to life in a whole new way. Tree climbing, under the careful guidance of experienced instructors, delighted younger visitors, adding an adventurous edge to the day.
For those seeking a more serene connection with nature, FORESTIVAL featured forest therapy sessions, forest bathing, and mindfulness meditation. These activities allowed participants to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the forest, leaving them rejuvenated and inspired by the natural environment.
The festival’s first day culminated in an art and rock concert, providing a lively and artistic close to a day filled with exploration and discovery. Another notable highlight was the introduction of the Joelette, a special wheelchair designed for mountain trails, which made its debut at this pan-Hellenic event and left a strong impression on attendees. The Joelette is one of the Edu-Case Tools, a collection aimed at increasing accessibility, inclusion, and digital education within Model Forest activities. These tools were provided to the Model Forests of the MMFN through a Network project funded by the IMFN Climate Initiative.
Visitors left FORESTIVAL with enthusiasm and positive feedback, eager for future events and collaborations. The success of the festival highlighted the potential of the Western Macedonia Model Forest as a powerful tool for promoting sustainable environmental development and forest preservation in the region.
