Bratislava, Slovakia. A five-person delegation from Kato Drys in Cyprus visited the Lisov Museum in Slovakia just before Christmas to present the outcomes of an EU Erasmus Plus project on crafts in rural Europe. A team from Saul Verde (Green Village) Association in Romania also attended.
Cross-border collaboration since 2011
Cyprus, Slovakia and Romania have been collaborating since 2011 to promote rural sustainability, and the visit focused on presenting the results of the Erasmus Plus project titled Crafts in Rural Europe.
Documentary screenings from three countries
As part of the event, visitors and delegates watched 15 short documentary videos, with five contributions from each participating country.
Cypriot films highlight crafts and food production
The Cypriot contribution was produced by a team led by Larnaca-based Andria Ethymiou and featured Lefkara lace-making, mosaic art, tremithopittes biscuits made with terebinth seeds, silversmithing in Lefkara, and halloumi production at Loulla’s Farm in Choirokoitia.
Project focus on sustainability and rural communities
The project aimed to highlight the environmental value of crafts and handmade production, while underscoring the importance of European rural communities such as Kato Drys and other mountain villages in Larnaca district as destinations that promote a more sustainable way of life.
Arguments presented for handmade and local products
The material presented during the project included the view that handmade and locally produced goods represent conscious consumption and a rejection of disposable culture linked to fast fashion and mass production. It also stated that handmade items are not factory-produced and generally have a lower carbon footprint, and that choosing local craftsmanship can prioritise quality, environmental responsibility and long-term value over convenience. The presentation further said handmade products are often unique and reflect the effort, time and personal touch invested by their makers, and referenced thermodynamics as offering a technical description of this perspective.
What role do you think rural crafts and handmade production can play in promoting sustainability in your community?
