In the North Aegean Sea Islands region of Greece grows the mastiha tree. It is an evergreen shrub that develops very slowly and becomes fully mature after 40-50 years, reaching up to a height of ca. 5 meters. Its lifespan is more than 100 years. Mastiha trees are an essential part of the maqui-type of vegetation found in Mediterranean countries. Particularly on the island of Chios, the trees have been planted since antiquity, offering the precious mastiha ‘tears’. The teardrop shaped sap of the tree has been attributed unique nutritious and therapeutic properties, particularly in treating gastrointestinal conditions and disorders. The knowhow of cultivating mastiha has been included by UNESCO on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The government of the North Aegean region has been facilitating innovative applications of mastiha with perseverance over the years, engaging farmers, involving EU-funding, helping to set up the Chios Mastiha Farmers Association and consequently the Mediterra SA in 2002, as a marketing tool, the development of new high quality mastiha-based products worldwide, and establishing a Mastiha Research Center Today, under the brand name “Mastihashop” a portfolio of more than 100 products is commercially exploited, including natural mastiha, chewing gum, cosmetic products, para-pharmaceutical products, food products, liqueurs, etc. Mastihashop has been officially nominated as adesignated product of origin, has become world famous, and now includes a retail network of 16 “Mastihashops.” On the roadmap to the future, the regional government and the local authorities are now engaging the farmers and product developers towards a next investment -of ca. 6 million euros- into the further elaboration of the product portfolio, to demonstrate even more how a small isolated island can become a world pioneer by innovating and managing its bio- based, renewable resources.
Source: Various websites, and Government of the North Aegean Region, Greece
Example of strategy 2A:
Supporting Specific High Potentials
On each island or archipelago of islands high potentials emerge: Small companies with often radical new ideas with a promising impact if successful, like for environmental issues, social care, ecotourism development, new ways of education, etc.
It is important for the local government to take extra and long- term care of these often vulnerable companies, to help them grow-up.
Local government can not only help by becoming a trustful interim- partner for these talents, but also by writing joint project-proposalswhich could for instance be financed by regional and national agencies. Moreover, they can co-promote the first prototypes delivered by thehigh potential on potential markets and within the own organizations. In addition, they can draw attention from the politicians for these potentials, leading to extra promotional support.
