Crete Field Trip : Chora Sfakion

Introduction

The GG2FC Crete Field Class, June 2009, is based in the village of Chora Sfakion, in the region of Sfakia, SW Crete.

This website provides essential logistical information and an introduction to the academic work you will be undertaking. On completion of this module you will have:

• evaluated the impact (current and future) of human activity (primarily driven by tourism) on the area between and including Chora Sfakion and the Samaria Gorge
• evaluated the impact of natural activity on the environment and landscape between Chora Sfakion and Loutro. In particular, participants will measure and model the extent and impact of recent flood activity in the Ilingas Gorge.
• used a range of equipment in the field to collect, analyse and present data.

The assessed outputs will be two individual reports and a group project. These are introduced on this website and there is some scope to actively prepare for the group project in advance, however all preparatory work can be undertaken in the week preceding the field trip.

Chora Sfakion is the capital of Sfakia located on the coast and 70 km from the city of Chania and 150 km from Heraklion. Sfakia is an administrative district in SW Crete covering an area of 472 km. sq. It includes most of the White Mountains, and a dozen gorges, running south to the Libyan Sea – the best known is the Samaria Gorge.  The region has a proud history and is considered by many to be separate and distinct from the rest of Crete and untouched by mass tourism. Peter Trudgill’s book, “In Sfakia”, provides an insight into the region’s past and present and will help you engage with its environment and society and, in particular, the “Village” of Chora Sfakion.

The 500 Village inhabitants are occupied mostly with fishing and sheep and goat raising, and producing cheese such as Anthotyros, and mizithra. Although the village and surrounding area does not have the extensive tourist infrastructure associated with resorts on the north coast, tourism is clearly an important source of income for many. We stay in one of several sea-fronting tavernas and small hotels.

All field sites are within walking distance or ferry ride of our base. There is no road transport involved after arriving in Chora Sfakion.

In the preparation session lecture on June 8th we will cover some of the geographical features of the region and Rackham and Moody (1997) is the best source of background academic reading. A useful web resource is provided by archaeologists at Oxford University, who run “The Sphakia Survey“.

Physical Geography fieldwork will focus on the coast and coastal plain, and the Ilingas Gorge.

Human Geography work will focus on the impact of tourism, both current and potential, on society and landscape in the area. You will conduct research in Chora Sfakion, Loutro and at the Samaria Gorge.

The group project will involve the creation of a website with daily blog updates from the field which capture your experiences and provide some academic insight.

During the field trip you will work in your groups on the problems set. This is NOT a ‘go, look and see’ field class consisting of guided walks and talks. Instead you will ‘go, look, learn and produce’, working for most of the field visit independently of staff – the intensive preparation sessions are designed to ensure you hit the ground running. You will have chance to apply your geographical knowledge and develop transferable skills in team-working, time management and presentation. Staff will be on hand to advise as you plan and execute your work programmes.

In addition to the academic work, the field class is an excellent opportunity to get to know other students on your course. It helps foster a closely bonded team atmosphere that prevails through to graduation.

Please ensure you are fully familiar with the contents of this website prior to attending the preparation day. There is selective reference made to further reading but additional references will be provided on the preparation day, along with other academic materials.

This site may be subject to minor updates, which will be listed on the “Website updates” feed on the right menu.

Further Reading
Rackham, O. and Moody, J. (1997) The making of the Cretan landscape. Manchester: MUP.
Trudgill, S. (2008) In Sfakia. Lycabettus Press.

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