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country.
The development planning of Thessaly focuses mainly on rural development,
economic growth, employment, sustainability of tourism and improvement of
the region’s infrastructure. In particular its priorities are:
1. sustainable rural development (focusing on sustainable environmental and
energy solutions);
2. cultural cooperation and promotion of sustainable and alternative tourism;
3. protection and sustainable use of the natural and man-made environment
with a proper management of natural resources;
4. protection of local production, methods and promotion of PDO and PGI
products to domestic and international markets;
5. integration of immigrants;
6. improvement of the competitiveness of products and services through the
promotion of digital convergence;
7. amelioration of infrastructure and establishment of a dense transport net-
work.
Region of Thessaly is the responsible authority for energy planning and strategy
in Thessaly.
Pilot area
The area is located in the central continental Greek area, it covers a part of the
Othrys Mountain, and it includes the lowland and coastal zone of south-eastern
Thessaly. The area is part of Almyros Municipality. The total permanent popula-
tion (2001 census) is 20.139 inhabitants and the total surface is 90.536 ha. The
geomorphologic characteristics constitute a synthesis of lowland, semi-moun-
tainous and mountainous areas, with the plain of Almyros as a main feature. The
plain is crossed by 4 seasonal rivers which are not exploited, while the moun-
