The Challenge
Moni, a traditional mountain village in Naxos, still preserves living traditions that strengthen social cohesion and identity. The role of active citizenship in both social and environmental issues is strengthened through actions and opportunities that enable citizens to meet, exchange views, and forge bonds that can be leveraged for the benefit of the community and the natural environment.
Due to the modern way of life and, in particular, the intense tourism on the islands, opportunities and spaces that can host such initiatives are in decline. The traditional game of Naxos “balls” (a local version of Pétanque), once a vibrant expression of community life, is at risk of being forgotten, while open communal spaces suitable for playing have also disappeared.
The Solution
The project innovatively and cleverly combines the creation of a traditional ball court with a botanical garden, transforming an old abandoned space into a place for entertainment, sports, socializing, and contact with nature.
Α “baliástra” (an earthen court surrounded by a dry-stone wall) and a botanical garden are going to be built next to the primary school of Moni where the game can be played, researched, and celebrated while people of all ages will be able to enjoy and appreciate nature.
The whole space granted by the municipality of Naxos and Small Cyclades will become full of local herbs and olive trees, setting a unique scenery for the players. Linking cultural heritage with ecological education has been proven among the most effective and impactful methodologies CPF’s grantees apply.
Activities
With the support of CPF, the Association of Naxian Moniates “The Art” will:
- Construct a double baliástra, with dry-stone walls, benches, and lighting.
- Create a herbal garden with oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, and verbena.
- Take care and maintain of existing olive trees and planting new ones, through hands-on workshops with local schoolchildren.
About the Grantee
The Association of Naxian Moniates “The Art”, founded in 2008, is a cultural and environmental association based in Moni, Naxos. Its mission is to protect and promote cultural heritage, foster a collective spirit, and safeguard the natural environment. Activities include exhibitions of traditional crafts, tree-planting initiatives, cultural performances, environmental campaigns, and archival work on local history. The association’s long-standing engagement with culture, nature, and community life makes it uniquely positioned to implement this project in partnership with local residents and institutions.
What You Can Do
Community transformation requires collective action. You can support this initiative by:
- Promoting the project to broader audiences.
- Learning how to play Pétanque or balls, and planning your trip to the Moni of Naxos for a game.
Making a donation to Cyclades Preservation Fund, allowing us to support more similar actions across Greek islands.
SDGs
CPF’s grants support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This grant specifically supports:
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The creation of a communal baliástra and herbal garden preserves cultural heritage while enhancing shared public spaces for residents and visitors.
SDG 15: Life on Land – Through the planting and care of native plants and trees, the project actively supports biodiversity and the conservation of local ecosystems.
