The settlements of the wider Psiloritis region face common problems and challenges. The Psiloritis Geopark plays a key role in the area’s development and has been officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Since 1988, the region has hosted AKOMM-PSILORITIS Development Agency S.A. OTA, which has played a catalytic role in its development.

This agency took the initiative to establish the Psiloritis Geopark and integrate it into the European and Global Geoparks Networks, while also managing it for many years.

However, experience over the years showed that managing the Geopark should be the responsibility of an entity with not only an institutional framework but also the capacity to finance its activities and fulfill its obligations.

For this reason, in 2019 the Psiloritis Municipalities Network was established, under the distinctive title "Ideon Network."

The legal form of the Network complies with Article 101 of Law 3852/2010 (Non-profit civil company under Article 741 of the Civil Code).

Its founding members are:

The municipalities of the region: Municipality of Amari, Municipality of Anogeia, Municipality of Gortyna, Municipality of Malevizi, Municipality of Mylopotamos, Municipality of Rethymno,Municipality of Phaistos.

The Region of Crete.

The purpose of the Network is to foster voluntary collaboration among its members on issues related to their geographical particularities, as well as to collectively advocate for solutions to real challenges affecting their historical, cultural, socio-economic, environmental, and overall developmental course — aiming at balanced and sustainable growth.

Specifically, the Network’s key objectives include:

1. Promoting and implementing measures for the protection, preservation, and promotion of both the natural and cultural environment of Psiloritis
2. Organizing and managing the PSILORITIS NATURAL PARK (UNESCO Global Geopark)
3. Providing technical support to its members at all levels
4. Supporting and encouraging scientific studies and research within its area of activity, related to the natural and cultural environment
5. Undertaking and implementing actions geared toward soft tourism models (such as nature-based, geo-, eco- and agri-tourism), as well as other forms of alternative tourism
6. Strengthening and supporting educational initiatives
7. Fostering collaborations with other public or local bodies and services, organizations or companies, to achieve its objectives
8. Promoting environmental awareness by influencing social stakeholders and informing citizens so that more environmentally friendly attitudes, behaviors, and management policies are adopted — across sectors involving the economy, culture, and overall social structure
9. Showcasing the region’s unique cultural, folkloric features and local products
10. Seeking cooperation and communication with similar organizations or entities, both nationally and internationally
11. Making every effort to achieve financial stability and autonomy in order to advance its mission
12. Implementing projects on behalf of its members or other entities, in line with the Network’s core purposes. In such cases, the Network acts as the authorized managing agent of the beneficiary, overseeing and managing the resources intended for project implementation.