The Region of Crete is one of the 13 Regions of Greece, located in the country’s southern part. Crete is a so-called “individual continent” thanks to
- coastline of 1.046 km
- a high differentiation of geomorphology
- zones of Natura 2000
- protected varieties of plants and animal species
- several micro-climate zones
Crete, a mosaic of cultures and traditions
Crete is the birthplace of Europe’s oldest civilization. The authentic, fascinating character of the region has a lot of influences, due to long periods of occupancy by other tribes, which has contributed to the cultural heritage in buildings, monuments and Cretan tradition and mentality.
The above mentioned “mosaic” needs a high-demanding and well-balanced administration, due to high diversity of the regional circumstances and the arising needs that require specialized solutions.
The Region of Crete
Divided in 4 regional administrations (Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lassithi), Crete Region Governance Organisation aims to the sustainable development and protection of the vital island’s characteristics.
Six are the individual Directorates, under which, the 37 management sections, are efficiently functioning:
- Development Planning, Environment and Infrastructure
- Internal Function
- Agricultural Economy and Veterinary Services
- Development
- Transport and Communications
- Public Health & Social Care
Region of Crete is involved as a Strategic Partner in several Interreg programs, in Europe, Cyprus, Adriatic-Ionian, Mediterranean territory. Also, within the “National Strategic Reference Framework – NSRF”, Region of Crete has the financial management of numerous project, always aiming to the benefit of the citizens and the improvement of life and work conditions.
Why the Region of Crete is a high seismicity area?
Rural development, primary goods, tourism, energy, infrastructure projects, and a lot of other issues are related to Crete’s Euro – Mediterranean location. But unfortunately Crete is located in a high seismicity area, related to the subduction of the African Plate beneath the Aegean Sea Plate. Its main tectonic history, derived from the Hellenic Arc activity, has ended up to a highly fragmented background. This demands special structural treatment, construction’s reinforcement and anti-seismic protection. Especially the technical departments of the Organization, are equipped with highly experienced staff, always with a high responsibility esteem when it comes to civil safety and protection!
A representative seismotectonic fault – map of the island is being provided below (source: technical Chamber of Crete).
The importance of defending the historical heritage of Crete from earthquakes
In the Region of Crete there are different sites and centers of historical interest. The seismic safety is therefore a fundamental requirement for the inhabitants and the tourists who live there. Moreover, the Region of Crete is based in historical buildings that were constructed in the previous century, mostly of masonry. They have undergone various uses in the past (Palace of the Local Prince, Courthouse etc) and undergone reinforcements of various types.