In view of the World Environment Day on 5 June 2021, 31 NGOs with recognized work in the conservation of the natural environment in Greece have co-signed a joint document together with a corresponding number of pictures, one per organization.
It is the first time that such a large number of organizations set a joint framework concerning the old and new threats to wildlife in our country.
We unite our voices for the protection of the natural environment
World Environment Day, 5 June 2021
Having entered the third decade of the 21st century, we are now facing a multifaceted environmental crisis – a biodiversity crisis and a climate crisis – in Greece and around the world.
The environmental crisis is no longer “the exaggeration of a few scientists and some nature lovers”. Nor are the struggles of all those who for decades act locally but think globally treated as “quaint”.
The many small victories for wildlife conservation, bringing about changes in the patterns of coexistence with the natural environment, as well as changes in consumption and production behaviors and practices, combined with scientific evidence, have paved the way for a different tomorrow with a vision for humans and nature.
Today, thirty-one (31) organizations and bodies for the protection of the natural environment in Greece unite our voice with people around the world who call for action before it is too late, and express our deep concern about what is happening in our country:
- The implementation and enforcement of existing environmental legislation, national and European, and of international treaties, cannot be occasional or case-by-case.
- The protection of the natural environment is not served when development activities are planned in areas of strict nature protection, sometimes even in the name of protecting the planet itself and tackling climate change.
- The recovery will be neither “green” nor “innovative” if it is based on the apparent reckless use and degradation of the natural environment. It will be an outdated and failed recipe.
- The world, and especially the younger generations, have realized that we need to change and take action, and they are strongly calling for it.
We call on the Government and political parties, institutions, the scientific community and civil society to take initiatives, as a matter of priority, on a truly national plan for the protection of the natural environment.
We are ready to contribute, as much as we can, with our experience and our knowledge.
The co-signatories:
Alkyoni, ΑΝΙΜΑ, Arion, Arcturos, ARCHELON, Action for the Wildlife, ELLINIKI ETAIRIA Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, Hellenic ORNITHOLOGICAL Society, Corinth and Patras Gulf Union for the Protection of the Environment “Nireus”, Society for the Protection of Prespa, Callisto, Cetacean Research Institute Pelagos, Natural History Museum of Crete, Ecological Recycling Society, Ecological Movement of Drama, PANDOIKO, Magnesia Environmental Initiative, Pindos Perivallontiki, Roi – Citizens For Streams, Association for the Protection of Health & Environment of the Health Center of Chalandritsa, Friends of Nature, Greenpeace, The Green Tank, iSea, Mamagea, Med-INA, MEDASSET, MOm, WWF Greece