The story so far
The challenge
Wildlife preservation in the Cyclades is of paramount importance for maintaining the region’s ecological balance, biodiversity, and overall environmental health. The need for a regional information and rescue network for wildlife in the region is crucial given the increased incidents of wild animals in need of rescue and rehabilitation, coupled with limited resources, capacity and knowledge about conservation practices and first aid support.
Did you know?
Monk Seals: In 2021 alone, there were a total of 10 cases of seals throughout the country requiring rescue, 3 of them were found in the Cyclades.
Sea Turtles: In the Cyclades, during the last decade, a total of 23 rescue cases of sea turtles (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) have taken place by Naxos Wildlife Protection Association.
Cetacean: There is high concern for the conservation status and survival of 10- 14 cetacean populations living, reproducing, feeding or moving in Greek waters, including the Aegean Sea.
Migratory birds: Alkyone treats and rehabilitates 600 to 800 wild animals per year. Immediate first aid support and transportation to the Hospital is vital for their survival.
The solution
The establishment of a regional information and rescue network for wildlife in the Cyclades is essential for improving our understanding of local biodiversity, enhancing conservation efforts, and safeguarding the region’s precious natural heritage for future generations. It is a valuable investment that benefits both wildlife and human communities, fostering a harmonious coexistence between people and nature.
Driven by this necessity, CPF along with four environmental organisations (Naxos Wildlife Protection Association, Alkioni-Aegean Wildlife Hospital, ARION-Cetacean Rescue and Rehabilitation Research Center, and Mom-Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of Monk Seals ) designed and implement the Cyclades Care for Wildlife (CCfW): the first informative and rescue network for wildlife in the region. By joining our expertise and building on the contacts of all entities, we coordinate actions in different islands, aiming to inform, encourage and train persons who are interested in and wish to support wildlife as focal points of the network on their islands. The program is supported by EKKA YACHTS, the BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION and EMPIRIA GROUP.
The aim of the program is the improvement and dissemination of knowledge on the status, threats and needs of wildlife in the Cyclades by the local community, authorities, experts and visitors, as well as the significant improvement of conservation and health status of key wildlife species in the Cyclades. Its main objectives/deliverables include:
- Establishing a Cycladic Information and Rescue Network for Wildlife that enables the creation of a hub of trained volunteers, in each Cycladic island, if possible.
- Increasing public awareness on issues faced by wildlife in need, in the Cyclades.
- Promoting expert and active citizen participation in marine conservation efforts.
- Offering training and practical support to local and regional authorities for immediate response in cases of injured/sick/orphaned/entangled wild animals.
- Collecting and providing seasonal and yearly regional data in national and European relevant wildlife stranding and sighting databases.
- Creating observation forms for the accurate and immediate reporting of animal sightings, including guidelines and advice for their rescue procedures, and making them known to the general public.
ARE YOU BASED ON ONE OF THE CYCLADIC ISLANDS AND INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CCfW NETWORK AND BECOMING A VOLUNTEER FOR US?
(ΕΧΕΙΣ ΕΔΡΑ ΣΤΙΣ ΚΥΚΛΑΔΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΘΕΛΕΙΣ ΝΑ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΤΕΙΣ ΩΣ ΕΘΕΛΟΝΤΗΣ?)Fill in this registration form (in Greek)! Συμπλήρωσε αυτή τη φόρμα εκδήλωσης ενδιαφέροντος.
If you saw a wild animal, please fill in the respective observation form (English or Greek, please choose language from the top right corner of the form) :
Εάν είδες άγριο ζώο, συμπλήρωσε την αντίστοιχη φόρμα παρατήρησης (Αγγλικά ή Ελληνικά, παρακαλούμε επιλέξτε γλώσσα από την πάνω δεξιά γωνία της φόρμας):
I saw a SEA TURTLE / ΕΙΔΑ ΘΑΛΑΣΣΙΑ ΧΕΛΩΝΑ
Initiative updates
October 2024 – Cyclades Care for Wildlife visits Santorini!
March 2024 – Cyclades Care for Wildlife visits the island of Milos!
October 2023 – Clyclades Care for Wildlife visits the island of Syros!
Check out this short video presented on ERT TV (starting at min 6) showcasing the kick-off event with the official presentation of CCfW on Syros in November 2023!