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Greece: Modern 'Forest Robin Hoods' Tackle Wildfires with Year-Round Prevention
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Greece: Modern 'Forest Robin Hoods' Tackle Wildfires with Year-Round Prevention

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • The organization Ecogenia has created 34 hectares of firebreaks and cleared 27.5 kilometers of trails on Mount Olympus to prevent forest fires.
  • Ecogenia trains and employs young people aged 18-30 in environmental protection, aiming to create a professional corps for climate action.
  • The NGO's model of paid social service requires state funding to expand its operations beyond Mount Olympus to other regions like Chania, Dorida, Drama, Paranesti, and Xanthi.

On Mount Olympus, the organization Ecogenia is pioneering a proactive approach to combating forest fires, emphasizing prevention over reaction. In a significant effort, they have established 34 hectares of firebreaks and cleared 27.5 kilometers of trails. This work also involved removing half a ton of flammable materials that had accumulated over years.

Erika Spagkou, a co-founder of the NGO, stresses the importance of year-round field presence, stating, "If we had people rolling up their sleeves and on the ground since February, perhaps we wouldn't be seeing this terrible serial on our screens." Ecogenia's initiative, founded in 2021, aims to engage young people aged 18 to 30. Participants receive training and are compensated for their work in environmental protection and management.

If we had people rolling up their sleeves and on the ground since February, perhaps we wouldn't be seeing this terrible serial on our screens.

— Erika SpagkouA co-founder of the NGO Ecogenia, explaining the importance of year-round prevention efforts against forest fires.

Inspired by similar social service programs abroad, Ecogenia seeks to institutionalize this model of paid social service in Greece. The organization believes that forests require continuous management, not just seasonal interventions. Their programs include trail maintenance, biomass removal, and environmental education, with activities extending beyond Mount Olympus to Chania, Dorida, Drama, Paranesti, and Xanthi.

To scale these crucial operations, Ecogenia requires consistent state funding. "Because those who participate are paid," Spagkou explains, highlighting the need for financial support to sustain and expand their efforts in addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainable development.

Because those who participate are paid.

— Erika SpagkouHighlighting the need for state funding to sustain Ecogenia's paid social service model for environmental protection.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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