Forests by the sea or on enormous massifs, lakes, rivers, island and mainland wetlands, and, naturally, our unique clear blue seas. A small but rich country, with 3,500 marine species, 23,000 species of terrestrial animals, and 5,800 recorded species of terrestrial plants. In the Greek seas, we will find rare species such as the sperm whale, the animal with the largest brain on earth. The national parks are also rich in biodiversity, such as the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park in Evros the home to 36 of the 38 European birds of prey. Millions of migratory birds stop at Greece’s island and mainland wetlands to quench their thirst. We are truly lucky, as many of these species are endemic, which means that don’t live anywhere else in the world.

Unfortunately, nature in Greece is under pressure from a variety of activities, straining the fragile thread that enables us to thrive. Climate change is causing dramatic changes in all ecosystems. The Greek sea, as part of the Mediterranean, is one of the most overburdened seas in the world, with an enormous volume of shipping, a large influx of tourists every year, unregulated development – especially along the coastline – and intense overfishing. And on top of all that, the hydrocarbon extraction being planned on land and at sea is perhaps one of the greatest threats that Greek nature has ever faced. At the same time, plastic pollution and the inadequate legislative protection of many important areas are two more fronts in the battle for the protection of nature.

Greece’s good fortune in having such a rich natural heritage is simultaneously a great responsibility, because we must protect it and deliver it to our children in even better shape. But to achieve this, we must correctly focus our efforts, depending on the importance of each area and species and the severity of the threats they face. So, by applying political pressure, submitting proposals, monitoring legislation, and working throughout Greece, we aim to ensure sustainable management, effective protection, and benefits for local communities. That is why we seek out and build synergies, armed with science and always focused on finding solutions. Nature is our shield and the foundation of our very life. Let’s not forget that everything we need to survive comes from nature, and that nature’s health is our greatest and most effective bulwark against climate change.

From the East to West and North to South, from the estuary of Evros river to the Northern Aegean and its islands, from Zakynthos to the heart of the Cyclades Islands, we work with local communities, fishermen and farmers, scientists and volunteer firefighters. However, we also work with state authorities, management agencies, representatives of the supply chain and local economies, aware citizens, educators, and children, aiming at the harmonious coexistence of people and nature.

Our people's work in the field has always been intertwined with our policy work, through which we propose solutions and apply pressure for more effective and consistent environmental legislation, which is, in fact, the basis for all healthy growth. Our actions are not limited by the borders of Greece; they extend throughout the Mediterranean, so that we may contribute to the protection of its fishermen and of the wealth of its waters, of Mediterranean forests and island wetlands.

Without your support, we cannot continue to defend our precious natural environment and ensure a healthy future for humanity and the planet. Join us now!