The local AHEPA branch issued a press release following the successful tree planting that they organised in North Corfu:
"Scouts, voluntary organisations, cultural groups, and ordinary members of the public responded to the initiative of AHEPA and the call from North Corfu Municipality for reforestation in the area of Anapafitiria in Loutses, which was successfully completed on Sunday, April 14th. With the Civil Protection Service and the forestry department having prepared a comprehensive plan for the implementation of the initiative, within less than 3 hours, 1,000 trees were planted on an area of almost 15 stremma, marking the completion of the first phase of reforestation in this specific area. Among others, present at the reforestation were the Ionian Islands Regional Governor, Yiannis Trepeklis, the Mayor of North Corfu, Giorgos Mahimaris, North Corfu Municipal Councillors, former Fire Chief Nikos Kolovos, Aggelos Spirou, and many members of AHEPA Corfu.
Photo: AHEPA Corfu
Following the completion of the reforestation, there was an an award ceremony in Loutses village square, where Mayor Giorgos Mahimaris honoured Giorgos Salampasis, the president of AHEPA Corfu, for his contribution, retired Fire Chief Nikos Kolovos, Civil Protection Supervisor Giorgos Mavropoulos and individuals whom he personally highlighted for their work in the local community.
On his part, AHEPA President Giorgos Salampasis stated that the joy and laughter of the children who participated in the reforestation, combined with the partial restoration of our environment, make us all, first of all, feel joy and satisfaction, and also create the responsibility to continue the organisation's social activities throughout the island as its principles dictate.
He warmly thanked the members of AHEPA, all organisations and volunteers for their valuable contribution, North Corfu Mayor Giorgios Mahimaris, the Forestry Department, Forest Ranger Ekaterini Kritikou Zaira , Forester Maria Papaiōanou, Grecotel Hotel Group, the travel agency LORD TRAVEL for transporting the scouts, local authorities and associations for their cooperation and for providing food to all participants in the village square.
He pointed out the importance for the chapter to have two of the most active members of the AHEPA Greece administration present at today's event, Vice President of Social Responsibility Adam Vlachogiannis and Deputy Governor of AHEPA Greece Nikos Dimitropoulos. The second phase of reforestation, with another 1,000 trees, will take place in November, with the goal of assisting nature's work for the full restoration of the area within 2 years."
Also participating in the tree-planting were scout groups from Corfu, among others. The scout group issued the following statement:
"In July 2023, the northern part of Corfu experienced one of the largest wildfires in recent years.
Our campers, from the safety of Vidos and Gouvia, witnessed an unprecedented sight, waking up to the sound of firefighting helicopters and going to sleep with the hope that everything would be over the next day.
Members of the Scout Civil Protection Team were present in the field, trying to support the superhuman efforts of the firefighters.
Today, a few months later, we joyfully accepted to take part in the significant initiative and the call for tree planting by Corcyra AHEPA, who, in collaboration with the Forestry Service and the Municipality of North Corfu, organised the project in Loutses, North Corfu.
Photo: AHEPA Corfu
Photo: AHEPA Corfu
The Scouts and Sea Scouts of the 6th & 4th Groups respectively, collaborated flawlessly in a project that will surely remain unforgettable for them and which they will surely remember and narrate to their children! Congratulations, you have made us proud!
According to the goals for sustainable development established by the UN and adopted by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), the effort of the Scouts to contribute to firefighting through the Civil Protection Teams has as its broader aim the protection of nature, combating climate change and its consequences, and of course, the protection of human life.
Photo: AHEPA Corfu
But tree planting also has a dual purpose, on the one hand, aiding in the restoration of nature, and on the other hand, raising awareness among our children.
For 114 years, we have been present at every call!!!"
VASSILIS PANTAZOPOULOS
