VOLUNTEER PROJECT ESC 2023

Project Code: 2023-1-EL02-ESC51-VTJ-000136645

Project Title:
Conservation of large carnivores, Public awareness of Human-Wildlife coexistence and Reduction of Human-Wildlife conflict

Implementation period: 20.07.2023 – 19.07.2025

Project Activities
Implemented at the ARCTUROS International Environmental Centre in Florina and included:

• A1. Conservation of large carnivores and reduction of human–wildlife conflict – The case of the Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding Centre.
• A2. Wildlife rehabilitation and reintroduction at the ARCTUROS International Veterinary Station.
• A3. Public awareness on human–wildlife coexistence, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and education.

Main Objectives

• Raise public awareness and inform mountain communities on harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
• Strengthen and preserve biodiversity at local and national level.
• Care for and rehabilitate injured wild animals with the aim of returning them to their natural habitat.
• Protect the free-ranging bear and wolf populations in Greece.
• Reduce human–wildlife conflict.
• Conserve and promote the Greek Shepherd Dog breed.
• Support the social inclusion of participants in an intercultural environment, including language exchange and familiarisation with Greek culture.

Participants
Young people aged 18–30 from Greece, France and Italy. Through their involvement in the daily operations of the International Environmental Centre, the project’s objectives were achieved.

Target Groups & Key Results

• Visitors of the International Environmental Centre during activities:

2023: 18,002 visitors, of which 8,848 were students from 30 schools
2024: 51,365 visitors, of which 23,939 were students from 172 schools
2025: 22,164 visitors, of which 11,067 were students from 117 schools

• Residents of mountainous areas: approximately 1,000 people were sensitised through events and educational programmes in Kozani, Ptolemaida and Florina.
• Stockbreeders: 41 Greek Shepherd puppies were delivered to 30 stockbreeders, strengthening the protection of their herds.
• Wildlife rehabilitation: 7 injured wild animals received care with the aim of reintegration (5 roe deer, 1 bear, 1 jackal).
• Volunteers: acquired or developed skills, were trained in animal care and became aware of issues related to environmental protection and biodiversi

Impact

The project:

• Empowered young people from three countries, enhancing life skills, professional experience and environmental awareness.
• Fostered cooperation and solidarity among different cultures.
• Contributed to the protection of rare and endangered species of Greek wildlife.
• Built bridges of communication between environmental organisations, local communities and the livestock farming sector.
• Inspired thousands of visitors to become active citizens for environmental protection.

Organisations / Partners in the project:

• ARCTUROS, Greece
• Associazione di promozione sociale Joint, Italy
• ADICE, France

The volunteer project was supported by the Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation and funded by the European Union under the European Solidarity Corps programme.