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The Observatory for Social Inclusion of the Region of Crete, presented the first research results of its work, through teleconference with the presence of the Regional Governor of Crete St. Arnaoutakis. "For the Region of Crete, the strategy for social inclusion and against poverty remains at the top of our priorities," said the Governor of Crete. Referring to the work of the Observatory, he pointed out the value of the results of the research conducted in collaboration with the University of Crete as well as the cooperation with all local authorities, for the most effective analysis of needs and the promotion of targeted solutions, with local focus and particular intervention per social group.

According to the Vice Rector of Panteion University, Professor Christos Papatheodorou, the available data so far show that Crete holds, among the Regions of the country, the 3rd place with the lowest risk of poverty, with a percentage of 15.2%, below the national average (17.9%). The contribution of the social protection system through pensions and other cash benefits is crucial in alleviating the risk of poverty in Crete. Also, Crete is in the 3rd best position of the country in terms of income inequality. However, 18.9% of the population is unable to meet (at least) 4 of the 9 basic needs that are considered critical to well-being. This demonstrates the inability of the poverty indicator to reflect the deteriorating living conditions of households, especially during periods of declining incomes. In addition, benefits in kind, mainly through the social protection system, are important for the well-being of households in Crete.

Professor of Sociology and Scientific Coordinator of the University of Crete, Giannis Zaimakis, pointed out the importance of reliable research and studies in the design of social policies, which will take into account limited resources and formulate political priorities based on social of social solidarity.

The Deputy Regional Governor of Public Health and Social Policy, Lambros N. Vamvakas, pointed out that “for the first time at the Regional level, an innovative and multilevel research approach is applied for the mapping of material deprivation and poverty pockets throughout Crete social needs and problems at the spatial level. The conduction of social research and the extraction of primary data will enable the design and implementation of appropriate policies and interventions for the substantial improvement of the living conditions of the citizens and for the fight against poverty and social exclusion they experience ".

Finally, the Head of the Observatory, Katerina Vlasaki underlined that research activities will continue to investigate the living conditions of households and the needs of vulnerable social groups in Crete.

ΒΙΝΤΕΟ: youtube.com/watch?v=nzyrMUeESBI