Place as ecomuseum: Mobilizing historic resources and cultural heritage for territorial development in Gera, Lesvos

Ecomuseums are increasingly recognized as participatory mechanisms for preserving historic resources, safeguarding cultural heritage, and supporting place-based development. This action research develops a strategy to encourage third-sector organizations to establish ecomuseums and proposes a framework through which communities can identify, interpret, and mobilize their territorial resources through the concept of place as ecomuseum. The study focuses on Gera, Lesvos (Greece), where local civil society organizations are exploring ways to valorize cultural, environmental, and historical assets. Using focus groups, participatory workshops, and secondary data analysis, it examines how an ecomuseum can strengthen heritage preservation, local identity, community resilience, and sustainable territorial development. Findings indicate that local actors view the ecomuseum as a collaborative platform for safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage, fostering participatory governance, strengthening social cohesion, and creating opportunities for economic diversification through heritage-based activities, local products, and sustainable tourism. The study demonstrates the potential of heritage-led, community-driven territorial development.