As part of the field surveys currently being carried out on islands of the South Aegean Region, the Social Inclusion Observatory visited the Municipality of Antiparos on Thursday, August 8, 2024, where interviews were conducted with:
a) Ms. Eleni Viazi – Deputy Mayor for Traffic, Environment and Licensing,
b) Mr. Triantafyllos Artemis – Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs, Planning and Local Development,
c) and a beneficiary of social allowances.
During the interviews, it emerged that on the small island of Antiparos the existence of strong social ties prevents adverse social phenomena from occurring. Efforts to extend the tourist season in the near future were also recorded, while the island appears to be particularly aware in terms of the protection of both the environment and stray pets through various actions and programs.
Regarding accessibility, due to the geomorphology of Antiparos, Chora is considered easily accessible and safe for locals and visitors with mobility problems. In addition, serious efforts are being made to install Sea Trac on the beaches of the island, as well as for planning for additional parking spaces.
Concerning the elderly, the vast majority of the elderly residents of the island receive the care of their relatives and the Association of Volunteer Rescuers of Antiparos is there to support them with anything they need. Furthermore, the Municipality has designed an application with a panic button for immediate intervention in emergency situations
As regards gender-based violence, no such phenomena have been observed, while in the event that such a thing were to take place, the intervention of the Police as well as the Women’s Association of Antiparos would be immediate.
As far as juvenile delinquency is concerned, there are no phenomena of delinquent behavior or school bullying, only isolated incidents of material damage and vandalism. The Municipality makes efforts to raise awareness among the children at school and reduce these phenomena through awareness actions at school.
In conclusion, the Observatory would like to thank the participants of the Municipality of Antiparos for their contribution to the research.
(Text and photo: Theodora Symeonoglou).
