SOMA ELLINON PROSKOPON - SCOUTS OF GREECE

The "Wildlife Rescue Scout Group" of the Hellenic Scout Corps (SEP) expresses, as a structure, the strategic choice and effort of the S.E.P. for the expansion of social interventions and participation regarding the collection of injured, orphaned and abandoned mammals, birds, reptiles, marine organisms, etc. in our country, being an important contributor to the protection of Wildlife and co-supporter of Environmental Organizations and Centers Rescue and Care

The presence of the Greek Scouts in 350 neighborhoods of the country as well as the continuous actions in the mountains and forests of the country - home to dozens of mammals, birds, etc. - will allow the "Wild Life Rescue Scout Group" to have a pan-Hellenic reach! The direct cooperation between the members of the Scouting Movement is achieved through special training of the volunteer members, with cooperation and upgrading of relations with the Environmental Organizations that implement the rescue and care of the animals they protect and by promoting to the general public the need to preserve the Wild Life and the "ethics" of its protection.

Two years. Given that PODAZ as an initiative is completely included in the field of actions promoted by Scouting for the protection of the natural environment, after the evaluation we will decide how we will continue and expand PODAZ's action.

The formation of a Wildlife Rescue Group with a Panhellenic scope, due to the physical presence of Scouting in all prefectures of the country and with the possibility of direct cooperation between the members. This can be achieved through:

a) training volunteer members and building their capacity to act as wildlife rescuers. Organization of 8 two-day informative-educational meetings, in key areas with a preference for the existence and operation of a Rescue Center there. Emphasis on networking, the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices mainly with Environmental Organizations. These meetings will be supported by an exhibition with relevant topics and communication material. Estimated number of trained rescuers 80 people.

b) increasing rescue capabilities, in terms of technical and material means and operational procedures (Rescue kit, which will include instructions for a special transport box, gloves, rescue towel, rescue tools, first aid items, rescue manual and printed material). Create 80 Rescue bags.

c) the optimization and/or upgrading of relations between Environmental Organizations and citizens through close cooperation for the treatment and reintegration of rescued Wild Animals.

d) promoting to the general public the need to preserve Wildlife and the "ethics" of its protection.

The Wildlife Rescue Scout Group is an eminently collaborative structure, as it presupposes the mobilization and synergies of individuals and groups. It cooperates with the organizations ANIMA, ARCHELON, ARKTOUROS, ARION, MOM.

The great response and the warm interest of the participants in the educational meetings, the number of which has already reached 70, taking into account the initially set goal of 80 people. So at the moment there are 75 trained volunteer "Wild Life Rescuers" supported by a team of 3 professional staff and 5 volunteer staff.

In 350 places throughout Greece where there are Scouting Systems and Scouting Centers

In the field of education, 75 trained volunteer rescuers have been created with a wide geographical dispersion.

In the field of information, there have been five information actions with recipients of over 250 people.

Although the program has just completed the first semester, we already have 75 adult staff who have been trained and can both apply the rescue practices and pass on the knowledge to children and young people. The trained members of PODAZ supported by a group of 3 professional executives and 5 volunteer executives, and with the contribution and guidance of the collaborating organizations ANIMA, ARCHELON, ARKTOUROS, ARION, MOM, are the nucleus that will contribute to its consolidation in the scouting program and in the its expansion outside the Scouting Movement.