The Challenge
Even in the Greek Islands, urban development and changes in traditional landscapes are causing a decline in nesting habitats for vital local pollinators and birds.
In Syros, the reduction of shrubs and the abandonment of dry stone walls have significantly reduced available nesting spots for cavity-nesting fauna. Simultaneously, younger generations are becoming increasingly disconnected from their local biodiversity; while they learn about global environmental crises, they often lack specific knowledge of the species that inhabit their own schoolyards or the protected Apano Meria area. Without a way to bridge this gap, both the local fauna and the community’s sense of environmental stewardship will continue to decline.
The Solution
This project uses “multispecies co-design” to transform students into active architects for their island’s biodiversity. By engaging schoolchildren in research and woodworking, the initiative teaches them to treat local animals (such as solitary bees and cavity-nesting birds) as “citizens” with specific biological needs. This hands-on approach, implemented in partnership with KEPEA Syros, creates tangible “micro-reserves” (bee hotels and birdhouses) while fostering a deep sense of empathy and responsibility in the next generation. The project ensures sustainability through a downloadable “School Biodiversity Kit,” allowing other Cycladic teachers to replicate this model of practical, student-led conservation independently.
Activities
With the support of the Cyclades Preservation Fund, Apano Meria SCE will:
- Conduct BioBlitz observation sessions for students to discover and record species in schoolyards and Apano Meria.
- Deliver co-design workshops where students research species needs and draw blueprints for habitat structures.
- Set up woodworking stations at schools for students to build bee hotels and birdhouses under expert supervision.
- Geolocate and map the new micro-reserves to create a digital “Habitat Map” for the island community.
- Produce the “School Biodiversity Kit” to enable other schools to implement similar conservation activities independently.
About the Grantees
Apano Meria is a social cooperative enterprise based in Syros, highly valued for its work in protecting Northern Syros through research and education. Its work on Precious Plastic, presents a unique technique for plastic recycling and the circular economy.
KEPEA Hermoupolis is an educational center focused on promoting environmental awareness and sustainability among students and the local community. Through experiential learning and collaborative programs, it fosters a deeper connection with nature and encourages responsible environmental stewardship.
What You Can Do
- Look for ways you could improve the living conditions for other species, such as birds and bees, in your own resident area, especially if you live in an urban setting.
- If you are a teacher contact us to share with you the School Biodiversity Kit, to implement it to your school.
- Donate to the Cyclades Preservation Fund and help us support more initiatives like this across the islands.
SDGs
CPF’s grants support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This grant specifically supports:
- SDG 15: Life on Land – The project directly restores terrestrial micro-habitats, supporting the survival of essential pollinators and native birds.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – By linking design and craftsmanship with ecology, the project provides a holistic, experiential learning experience.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Transforming schoolyards into biodiversity refuges improves the ecological health of urban areas and settlements.
