2013
GAKI Dimitra is an Agro-economist, PhD in Planning and Regional development, specialised in productive rural systems (DEA in Geography and MSc in rural Development and Projects). Since 1999, she is a researcher at the laboratory of Rural Space (PRD, UTH). Researcher at the Laboratory of Rural Space at the University of Thessalie, (Director: Professor Dimitris Goussios) from 1999 to the present (a full-time contractor at the University of Thessaly since 2006, and a Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) since 2014 in the same position). Participated at the support team for the operation of the Greek-French postgraduate study program “Territorial Dynamics and Spatial Planning” (DYNTAR). Her academic interests focus on the local and rural development, organizations in rural areas, reform of rural productive systems especially in mountainous areas, social entrepreneurship, spatial analysis, valorization of local resources. She participates in many national and European research programs.
2013
Doctorate on Planning
University of Thessaly, Department of Planning, Urban and Regional Development, Volos, Greece
1997
Master of Science (MSc) in "Rural Development and Projects"
Ciheam-ΙΑΜΜ (International Center of High Agronomic Studies Méditerranèennes - Agronomic Institute Méditerraneen of Montpellier), Montpellier, France
1996
D.E.A. in Geography
University of Paul Valery, Department of Geography, Montpellier, France
1995
Diploma of Agricultural engineer - specialization in Agricultural Economics
Agricultural University of Athens, Agricultural Department of Economics, Athens, Greece
1986
Graduated from high school
high school, Neo Monastiri Fthiotidas, Greece
Researcher at the Laboratory of Rural Space at the University of Thessaly, Director: Professor Dimitris Goussios
I am associate member at the Laboratory of the Rural of the University of Thessaly from 1999 to the present (a full-time contractor at the University of Thessaly since 2006, and a Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) since 2014 in the same position). She participates at the support team for the operation of the Greek-French postgraduate study program “Territorial Dynamics and Spatial Planning” (DYNTAR).
I have significant research and practical experience in issues of: development and management of rural and especially mountain rural areas, local and rural development, mountainous farming systems, rural areas organizations and institutions, evaluation of programs and policies, Operational programs of Municipalities and planning actions and interventions at local level since:
Participation as Assistant Coordinator and member of the core research team in research projects and programs implemented by the Laboratory of Rural Space of the University of Thessaly with Scientific Responsible: Dr. D. Goussios (Professor)
2017-2019: National Strategy for the Development of Troodos Mountain Communities, Cyprus, financed by Foundation Giannakis Papadouris for the Cyprus Republique
2016-2019: «HNV-Link: High Nature Value Farming: Learning, Innovation and Knowledge (Grant Agreement No 696391)», European programme HORIZON 2020,
2012-2015: «LACTIMED: Agro-clusters locaux pour des produits laitiers mediterraneens typiques et innovants», strategic european programme ENPI CBCMED
2011-2012: ««NOVAGRIMED: Agricultural Innovations in the Mediterranean», financed by Region of Thessaly participated in the European projet MED
2005-2008: «Social and inclusive economy and entrepreneurship –local society: support integrated». European Program EQUAL II. Financed by Ministry of Activity and Social Protection of Greece
Participation as member of the core research team in research projects and programs implemented by the Laboratory of Rural Space of the University of Thessaly with Scientific Responsible: Dr. D. Goussios (Professor)
2016: Expertise: Research for “Development of Livestock in the Mountainous Area of Farkadona Municipality: Prospects for Reconstruction and Development”
2014-2016 Pilot Pilot improvement of pastures at Sofades’ Municipality and Mouzaki’ Municipality
2014-2015: «Routes and Heritage of the Nomadic World Heritage Site» Expertise financed by the Leader Program (transnational cooperation) KENAKAP SA
2013-2015: Participation in four local programs for the development of employment (local employment plans) of the Ministry of Employment: Network Cooperation (Axe: Cooperation), Almyros-Development (Axe: Innovation Actions of Development and Employment in the Municipality of Almyros), Thessalia and Action (Axe: Employment and Development Actions of the Thessalian rural Area) and Northern Sporades (Axe: Actions for the Development and Employment at Northern Sporades)
2011-2013: «ENERSCAPES : Territory, landscape and renewable energies», European programme MED
2010-2011: «Scientific and Technical Support to the Municipality of Almyros preparing the Operational Programme for the Development Area Othris», financed by Development Company Limited OTHRYS SA
2008-2010: «Operational Plan of Almyros’ Municipality», financed by the Municipality of Almyros
2008-2009: «Operational Plan of Farkadonas’ Municipality», financed by the Municipality of Farkadona
2008-2009: «Operational Plan of Nessonas Municipality» Financed by the Municipality of Farkadona
2008: «Strategic Plan of Development to Troodos’ region». financed by Development Agency of Marathassa- Ministry of Agriculture, Cyprus
2007: Scientific and technical support for the spatial and socio-economic analysis of Municipality of Kleinovos (SCHOOAP)
2007–2008: Local Quality Agreement “THRONOS”, financed by the ONG OLYMPOS-PIERIA
2006-2008: Project of Partnership CIHEAM/Plan Bleu: «Agriculture and Rural Development to Mediterranean». Mediterranean Committee of sustainable Development. Expert Participation Plan Bleu, F.A.O, CIHEAM.
2006: «Protection and revival to the Marathasa’s region to Cyprus» Financed by Development Agency of Marathassa -Ministry of Agriculture, Cyprus
2006: “Technical support in organizing cultural events in Skopelos island», financed by Municipal Agency for Development of Skopelos
2006: «Strategic plan of the cultures’ reformation and the development of the rural areas at the Pieria’s Department», financed by the Pieria’s Department
2004-2008: European Program TEMPUS: «FORMDER: circuit formation and multidisciplinary to rural development». Participating Countries: France, Morocco, Egypt and Greece
2003: “Action plan for the participation of Greece in the Mediterranean LEADER”, expertise financed by Ministry of Agriculture of Greece
2003: “Promoting real convergence in the regions of Epirus, Thessaly, Western Macedonia and the Peloponnese”, expertise financed by: Ministry of Economy and Finance of Greece
2003: «Study on identifying and highlighting actions of the social economy in the context of the implementation of Regional Operation Program measures in accordance with the Thessalian specificities» expertise financied by the Region of Thessaly
2002-2004: “Network for the promotion of employment” of the Equal Community initiative, especially in the actions: i) “Exploiting & upgrading of existant researchs and studies, in order to preview the dynamics of the business and production systems”, ii) “Development of new skills, new qualifications and new jobs” and iii) “Coordination and monitoring – Control – Certification – Assessment” financed by Ministry of Employment and Social Assurances.
2002: “Study of tourisme development in Region of Thessaly, 2001-2006”, financed by National Organisme of Tourism
2002: “Integrated Program for the Development of Rural Areas: case of Othrys Magnisias”, financed by Region of Thessaly
2001-2003: “ALTENER: Alternative crops integration in a Spatial Analysis (ACISA)”. European Project.
2001-2002: «Les institutions et les organisations du développement rural en Méditerranée», financed by Network RAFAC
2000-2001: «Program awareness raising of local stakeholders and citizens for the protection and enhancement of the architectural and natural environment in the mountainous and insular areas», financed by Ministry of Environment Physical Planning and Public Works of Greece.
2000-2001: «Administration of Human and Natural Environment in South -East mountainous area of Region of Kortsa-Albania», program DAC of OECD, financed by Ministry of Environment Physical Planning and Public Works of Greece.
1999-2000: «Research on environmental awareness actions in three regions of Greece », financed by Ministry of Environment Physical Planning and Public Works of Greece.
1999-2000: «Territorial partition of Greek agriculture based on economic efficiency and redefinition of problematic agricultural areas with emplasis on mountainous, border and insular areas” financed by Agriculture Ministry of Greece
1999 –2000, «Strategic action program for sustainable development of mountainous areas » of Ministry of Environment Physical Planning and Public Works of Greece.
Participation as freelancer – to the core research team in research programs
2004 : Research Fellow to Development Agency of Trikala (KENAKAP) SA for the realization of «Local Strategy for the employment in the Ouest Thessaly. Action 4.1 Strategic Plan for the employment at the Ouest Thessaly», study at the Article 6 of the Funds Social of EU
2004 : Research Fellow to Development Agency of Karditsa SA for the realization of «Local Strategy for the employment in the Ouest Thessaly», study at the Article 6 of the Funds Social of EU,
2000: Research Fellow to InfoGroup S.A. for the realization of “Integrated Rural Development Programme Heraklion» study
2000, Research Fellow to Development Agency of Karditsa SA – Scientific Responsible for the realization of «Integrated Rural Development Programme of Sud-Est Department of Karditsa», financed by the Municipalities of the Sud-Est region of Karditsa, Scientific Responsible
1997 –2000, External Scientific Associate at the XYLOTECHNOLOGIA SA for the realization of «Differentiation and reorganization of productive activities in mountainous areas of the EU”, european project FAIR3,
1996 –1999, Associate in the Development Agency of Karditsa SA and particular member of the Scientific team at Unit Agricultural Extension & Rural Development in the following programs: LEONARDO DA VINCI, Local Development Programmes (3rd, 7th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th Territorial District of Department of Karditsa), expertise “Agritourism”, Operational program for the Producer’s Group of Industrial Tomatos in the department of Karditsa “DEMETER”, RIS study for the Region of Thessaly, study for the “Reorganization of Karditsa Municipality”
Gaki D., (2013), “Territorial approach to organisation, management and enhancement of local production systems in mountain areas (the cas of Pinde)”, PhD thesis, 427 p. University of Thessaly
2020. Member of Organisation Committee of the European Conference titled “Mountain regions of the large Mediterranean islands European issues, national and regional policies & local approaches”, 29-31 January 2020. Nicosia, Cyprus. Scientific Responsible D Goussios – Laboratory of Rural Space, Laboratory of Rural Space
2015. Member of Organisation Committee of the Conference: Areas and population in the marge of democratic evolutions: the rural people – 1st preparatory reunion “Rural areas and societies at the crise’s context”, Volos –organised by the Rural Space Laboratory – University of Thessaly June 2015.
2012. Member of Organisation Committee of the IIIe rencontre de l’Assemblée des Citoyens et Citoyennes de la Méditerranée : « Les Changements en Méditerranée, la dynamique des cercles de citoyens de l’ACM et l’avenir de l’ACM » Volos, Grèce, 25-28 octobre 2012
2012. Participation in the international meeting (semaine de rencontres internationales) at Montpellier & Les Causes et le Cévennes, France, 1-5 October 2012: «Paysages culturels de l’agropastoralisme : Réseau méditerranéen 2012
2008. Member of Organisation Committee of the International Symposium 2008 : « L’emergence des territoires ruraux ». 5-8 September 2008, Volos Grèce – organised by Laboratory of Rural Space University of Thessaly
2004. Member of Organisation Committee of the Séminaire RAFAC 2004 : « La territorialisation du Développement rural en France : Points de repère et question », 2-4 Septembre 2004, Volos Grèce- organised by Laboratory of Rural Space University of Thessaly
2002. Participation as PhD candidate in the International Seminar titled « Institutional Transformations and the Role of Organizations-Institutions in Local Development », Hammamet, organised by IRESA –INAT, ESA Mograne, CIHEAM-IAM and financed by ΕU, 4–17/2/2002, Tunisia (Stage : « Analysis–Diagnostic of the development organisations at the Zaghouan area ».
2000-2005: Scientific Leader in the project “Promoting the Innovation of Thessalian Agricultural Products and Foods” of the Information and Support Network of the Thessalian Rural Population, Region of Thessaly
2000: Member of Organisation Committee at 4ο European Farming Systems Symposium titled: “European Farming and Rural Systems Research and Extension into the Next Millennium: Environmental, agricultural and socio-economic issues”, Volos, 1-8 /4/ 2000, Scientific Responsible Al. Koutsouris
1999. Participation as PhD candidate in the Seminar titled “Spatial analysis and use of new technologies”, Volos, Greece, organized by Mediterranean Network (MOST), Network RAFAC and CHIEAM on “Globalization, family farming, and agricultural systems, (June and July 1999)
1998. Participation as PhD candidate in the Seminar titled “Agricultural Policy and Development Theories”, Montpelier France, organized by Mediterranean Network (MOST), Network RAFAC and CHIEAM on “Globalization, family farming, and agricultural systems (October and 1998)
Research and Educational Cooperation with European Universities and Institutions
Based on the methodological and technological tools it has developed, the Rural Space Laboratory supports
2016-2018: the training of researchers of University of Tirana
2012+ : PhD candidates, and postgraduate students to prepare their thesis / postgraduate thesis coming from:
2014+: undergraduate students in the preparation of graduate thesis and other forms of practical applications coming from:
Pedion Areos, 383 34, Volos
+30 24210 74452-55
+30 24210 74380
g-prd@prd.uth.gr