ENVIRONMENT

The Skyrthalia program was an 18-day volunteer initiative with the main goal of implementing and promoting basic green practices in urban parks in western and eastern Thessaloniki. In collaboration with the municipalities of Thessaloniki (Municipal Communities B and E) and Pavlos Melas, volunteers acted as observers and commentators on the state of public infrastructure. The recording concerned deficiencies or malfunctions, such as the absence of recycling bins, inadequate orientation and safety signage, as well as the misuse or damage of public equipment. In this way, the collective responsibility of all those involved – institutions and citizens – for the final result was highlighted.

The ultimate goal of the action was to enhance urban sustainability, to cultivate respect and responsibility towards the city's green spaces and park flora, and to improve the functionality of public spaces for the benefit of citizens' everyday use. In the final stage of the initiative, proposals for targeted environmental improvements were formulated.

At the same time, the young volunteers contributed to promoting the concept of the "urban green neighborhood" through creative interventions. For example, they built structures from recycled materials in a park in the municipality of Pavlos Melas and designed an intervention plan for parks in Thessaloniki, combining the promotion of cultural memory with the enhancement of residents' quality of life.

The action was part of the broader "Be Sustainable, Sportive and Cultural" initiative, which runs until 2027 and is structured in four thematic phases: Greener | Safer | Animal-friendly | Recycling-friendly. Each phase involves new groups of European Solidarity Corps volunteers, who contribute to specific aspects of the regeneration of urban parks, with continuous documentation and active citizen participation.

Target audience of the Action Plan

The action plan was designed and implemented in a twofold manner of intervention towards the target groups: (1) on the one hand, each age group 
actively participated in the implementation in its own way, (2) on the other hand, each group benefited substantially from the interventions, cultivating conditions for its own better future. The participation and corresponding added value for each age group are reflected as follows:

Minors (children and adolescents)
Participation:  The "Scyrthalia" collaborated with schools in Western Thessaloniki, creating structures from recycled materials (e.g., benches) that were placed in Karatasou Park.
Benefit: The parks served as safe spaces for play, exercise, and environmental learning, while the structures served as experiential tools that reinforced ecological awareness and respect for local history from an early age.

Young adults (18–30 years old)
Participation: They were actively involved as volunteers, collaborated with peers from different countries, and co-created recreational and ecological 
activities.

Benefit: The revitalized parks provided opportunities for recreation, cultural expression, and ecological participation. Young people were empowered as ambassadors of sustainable urban living, combining action and education.

Middle-aged citizens (30–60 years old)
Participation: Parents,  volunteers, and local representatives engaged in dialogue with the volunteer team, while two trainers provided technical knowledge of photography and videography to young people.

Benefit: Ideas were generated for improved urban infrastructure that enhances family, sports, and cultural activities. Parks as safe, clean, and functional spaces enhanced quality of life, while cultural heritage interventions emphasized their role as vehicles of intergenerational memory.

Seniors (60+)
Participation: Retired professionals (painter, ironworker, and carpenter) contributed with technical guidance and supervision during construction.

Benefit: The improved infrastructure of the parks enhanced social interaction, mental well-being, and safety in their daily movements. The interventions with elements of cultural heritage cultivated an emotional connection and recognition of their contribution to local history.

Visitors and tourists (of all ages)
Participation: They were invited to support the action through the open resolution of the Manifesto.

Benefit: They gained access to a sustainable and culturally rich urban landscape, which promotes Thessaloniki as an ecological and welcoming destination, reinforcing responsible tourism.

The program lasted only 18 days, from December 6 to 23, 2024, and was implemented within the framework of the **European Solidarity Corps** as a voluntary group action. Despite its short duration, the achievements were impressive, as in less than three weeks the participants managed to produce a set of actions with a significant impact: training courses, creative workshops, artistic productions, public interventions, and a collectively inspired manifesto. Good timing, the right distribution of roles, and excellent guidance from the supervisor allowed the team to work with impressive efficiency, avoiding fatigue and making the most of the limited time available. The ability to organize and coordinate, combined with the momentum and creativity of young people, proved that even in such a short time frame, a rich and multidimensional result can be achieved that exceeds the usual limits of a short-lived program.