A PROFILE

WWF-Greece (World Wide Fund for Nature-Greece) is part of WWF International--the world's largest and most experienced non-governmental conservation organization. WWF has a network of National Organizations around the world and over 4.7 million supporters.

WWF--formerly known as World Wildlife Fund--began its operations in this country in 1969 with the funding of a programme for the afforestation of Mount Hymettus in Athens. Since then it has undertaken more than 30 projects all over the country.

In 1985, the organization extended its involvement in the region by seeking solutions to major environmental problems facing Greece in collaboration with other NGOs. It participated in a wetlands campaign, formulated an action plan for the conservation of wetlands, and prepared a management plan for the Prespa National Park.

Another landmark year was 1990. During this year, WWF established a permanent representation in Greece. It marked the beginning of a new era for the development of strategies for Greek environmental issues and for the active participation of the organization in the preservation of the country's natural heritage.

Owing to its contributions, WWF-Greece was accorded the legal status of a charitable foundation by a presidential decree in early 1994. A year later, WWF-Greece was nominated an independent National Organization, making it the 24th member of the WWF global network.

At present, it manages over 20 projects in the country, including a long-term presence and involvement in at least seven biologically important sites: the Ionian Islands, the wetlands of Amvrakikos, Axios, Prespa and Evros, the Dadia forest and the peninsula of Mount Athos.

WWF-Greece's priority is conservation of the country's three fundamental ecosystems: forests, freshwater and marine, including the coastal zone. All three have been threatened by irrational exploitation, pollution, large-scale projects and other human activities.

Given the scope of work involved, the organization has set certain criteria for selecting and evaluating its conservation projects. These are:

  • Protection of endangered natural wealth
  • Sustainable use of resources
  • Supporting public institutions
  • Promoting public awareness
  • Institutional building

In addition to demonstration field projects, WWF-Greece also conducts campaigns at the national and international level. These include the campaigns to avert the diversion of the Acheloos river, and to protect the loggerhead sea turtle in Zakynthos.

WWF-Greece's effort is to find innovative and practical solutions for the conservation problems of the country. It places special emphasis on raising public awareness and on the participation of local communities. It also believes in employing scientific argument, persuasion and cooperation wherever possible. Legal measures are always the last resort. Its strategies are:

  • Promotion of integrated management of important sites
  • Lobbying at the local, national and international levels
  • Legal action to halt destructive practices
  • Information to the media and public awareness at the local and national level
  • Environmental education through the preparation of material and teacher training
  • Policy development on key sectors such as management of freshwater resources.
WWF-Greece relies on a well-trained and highly motivated staff of 55 persons. It is supported by about 100 volunteers, 11,000 individual donors, and grants from corporations, foundations, the European Union and WWF International. Professionals like lawyers, advertising companies and the media also contribute their services.

WWF-Greece publishes a quarterly magazine, the Panda, which is sent to supporters, major donors, decision makers and collaborators.

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