Second Quarter 2007 Issue: 6 ISSN: 1790-1421 Tilos Park Journal

Tilos Park “The protection of the environment is an issue Association of democracy. When we talk about the quality Owner of democracy today, we can only envision an

Dr. C. Alexander ecological democracy, the epicenter of which is Editor the protection of the environment.” (24-07-07, K. Mentzelopoulos the President of the Hellenic Republic, Photographer Layout Editor Karolos Papoulias.)

In the photo to the right, President Papoulias signs hisTPA membership application on

June 18, 2006, in the EU LIFE - Nature

In this Issue: office on Tilos.

TPA: A Special Anniversary 1 Tilos Park Association: A Special Anniversary Tilos Promoted in Japan 2 On July 26, 2007, the Tilos Park Successfully lobbied the Hellenic of Tilos by EUROPARC Federaton TPA Exhibition at Brussels EU Association celebrated the third Environment Ministry to issue its to be a host site representing one anniversary of its establishment. official approval of the Tilos out of only twelve 2008 Green Week 3 The non-profit NGO was founded Special Environmental Study for EUROPARC internship program by current TPA Director the Creation of a Natural Park in locations in the 38 countries in EUROPARC Internship for Tilos Konstantinos Mentzelopoulos to October 2006 and continues which EUROPARC operates; establish the Tilos Natural Park cooperation with the Ministry in Park 4 and to independently develop 2007 in the current Receipt of financial and technical environmental conservation establishment of the Tilos support from Euronatur (Germany) Tilos Geology 4 actions and eco-tourism in concert Natural Park; for eco-tourism development and with stakeholder participation in nature protection projects; Tilos Flora Data Collection 5 this EU Special Protection Area United Nations Environment (SPA). Program [UNEP] recognition of Creation of employment for Tilos LIFE Documents Great Spotted the TPA in its selection as a residents and the development of a The TPA is guided by the keynote speaker at the continuing employee education Cuckoo on Tilos 5 philosophy that development of November 2006 Athens program; Tilos Bat Species Documented 5 local participation is vital to “Mediterranean SOS” conference accomplish the aims of raising for the TPA’s exemplary Daily operation of the EU Tilos Blasius Horseshoe Bat 6 island awareness of its natural achievement in engaging active LIFE Nature Exhibition and Tilos resources and training local participation by island residents Visitor Information Centre without Island Death Trap 6 participants through continuing in eco-tourism development and Municipal support; education and employment in the nature protection activities; Elix Intl Volunteers Help Tilos 7 management of a Natura 2000 Operation of island tours and site. The TPA with valuable local TPA recognition and approval by audio-visual seminars on the participation achieved the the European Commission as a biodiversity, nature protection and following in the first 36 months of Co-Financier and Co-Partner in cultural history of Tilos; its existence: the €825.000 EU Tilos LIFE Nature Project; Development of a website A 2006 Ambassadorship award by [www.tilos-park.org] and island the European Commission Natura Application and successful marketing campaign; 2000 Networking Programme for delivery of a €373.000 wetland exemplary environmental for wildlife development program Collaboration with a BP renewable conservation practices in a Natura to the Tilos Municipality [EU energy expert for the development 2000 site [www.natura.org]. This Interreg III /Cyprus]; of increased renewable energy award has only been given to 2 sources for the hotel industry and a out of 390 Hellenic Natura 2000 Receipt of EUROPARC renewable energy facility for the sites; membership and technical entire island; support as well as the selection Tilos Park Journal Page: 2

TPA: A Special Anniversary (continued)

Host to non-resident academic prevention of illegal activities EU periphery community, but the biology/ecology field studies; harmful to legally protected species achievements have actually been and the environment; built upon a foundation of obstacles. Host to annual international These obstacles are primarily the volunteers for island nature protection Selection by the European result of the conflict between our actions; Commission to be an Exhibitor at modern understanding that nature the expense of the Commission at protection serves humanity and Quarterly Greek/English publication of the 2007 Brussels EU Green traditional wildlife resource collection the environmental Tilos Park Journal Week, and annual EU Green Week that consumes wildlife without any (www.tilos-park.org); participation on Tilos through allowance for adequate regeneration. volunteer island and coastal clean- The resulting conflict created an Introduction of bi-annual Bird Ringing up actions; opportunity for the TPA to Research to Tilos in cooperation with demonstrate to local residents the the Hellenic Bird Ringing Centre and Development of a library with Tilos socio-economic value of preserving contribution of logistical planning, scientific data in the fields of nature and sharing this island beauty equipment and accommodations; geology, ornithology, marine with visitors. biology and botany; and Establishment of a volunteer-operated Although Tilos is but a drop in the Avian Recovery Centre for injured TPA membership support from one ocean, recognition of its evolution in wildlife with the cooperation of the third of the Tilos permanent environmental conservation University of Thessaloniki School of resident population. developed by the TPA has reached Konstantinos Mentzelopoulos Veterinary Medicine and the Hellenic distant Hellenic shores in the current TPA Founder Centre for Wildlife Rescue and The most successful method of establishment of protection zones and Rehabilitation; ensuring that island residents a Tilos Natural Park by the Hellenic embrace nature protection has Ministry of the Environment. As Development of feasibility study of been to work together and learn guardians rather than as owners of prototype actions for threatened from one another in order to nature, the island residents now marine species conservation; preserve our European natural believe that this development augurs heritage. The nature protection well for the future of this Special Organic agriculture promotion; benefits achieved so far not only Protection Area. outweigh the obstacles inherent in Regular island surveillance for a traditional and somewhat isolated

Tilos Park Association Tilos Promoted in Japan Co-Founding Members The natural beauty and biodiversity of presenter of this travel Tilos were featured in a four part documentary escorts the viewer to Japanese television travel program island sites of natural beauty and about the Aegean region produced by travel interest to Japanese national Tomoko Kiriyama, Director of viewers. TV Asahi broadcast this Image.com. In April, Andreas travel documentary seen by 9 Andreadis, Consul General of million viewers on 27 different Sweden in , referred Ms. channels throughout Japan during Kiriyama to the TPA Director during four successive Saturdays in June. her first Tilos visit for LIFE Nature, The fourth installment of the travel wildlife, cultural and historical film featured Tilos and earned the information as well as an island tour. highest viewer ratings in the four During the tour conducted by the TPA part series, according to Ms. Director with the courtesy of Ilias Kiriyama’s June 25th telephone call Christofis who provided the island to the TPA Director. The Tilos Park transportation, she was impressed website documented a higher than with the easy blend of wildlife, the average number of visitors from variety of natural habitats and minimal Japan following the film human activity against a backdrop of presentation which introduced the blue sea, mountainous landscape, a island SPA to new international fertile valley and open countryside. viewers.

Ms. Kiriyama and Mrs. Keiko [Photo left to right: Ms. Tomoko Tilos Park Association Logo Papayannopoulou, Coordinator at Kiriyama, Mrs. Keiko Created by George Sfikas Marisol, S.A., returned in May for Papayannopoulou and Mr. Kostas island filming in which the Moutzouris at the TPA office] Page: 3 Tilos Park Journal

TPA Exhibition at Brussels EU Green Week “Complacency is not an option…” Directorate-General for the Environment, European Commission, June 2007

The Tilos Park Association (TPA) industry. It is the responsibility of was selected by the European citizens to use and support local or Commission to participate in the regional products where possible, June 12-15th EU Green Week prepare meals corresponding to the Exhibition in Brussels attended by season and recycle waste. A positive more than 5,000 visitors. The EU note was presented by Maria Ivanova Conference and Exhibition theme this from Bulgaria who is associated with the year was “Past Lessons, Future Yale Center of Law for Environmental Challenges”. The TPA was one of Law and Policy. She is optimistic about scores of applicants from 27 the future because she has already countries that applied for a limited EU Margot Wallstrom witnessed how “the environment can be selection of Exhibition hosts whose Vice President the fiber that connects societies” and The TPA Director being interviewed EU Commission transportation and accommodations encourages mutual cooperation. by NATUREZA Spanish TV were paid by the Commission. According to Ms. Nancy Kontou, Margot Wallstrom, Vice President During the EU Green Week, the TPA Head of Cabinet at the European of the European Commission, Director hosted a stand that provided a Commission DG Environment, the reported that currently ½ of the backdrop of colorful island photographs TPA was the only Greek Exhibitor at world’s population lives in urban featuring flora, fauna, landscapes, the Conference. areas and by 2015, 6 billion seascapes and resident participation in people will live in cities. nature protection activities. Through the Therefore, she emphasized that distribution of promotional materials, the battle against pollution, presentation of the island video, week- chemical toxicity, biodiversity loss long discussions with Green Week and fresh water degradation will visitors and TPA interviews broadcast be primarily won or lost in urban by 6 international television news areas. Remedial measures are, stations (2 Spanish, 2 Belgian, French however, being taken by and Turkish), the TPA Director disparate groups such as (a) presented the NGO’s achievements as industry including TetraPak well as the EU Tilos LIFE Nature Project International that is investing in achievements in the development of Turkish TV at the Tilos Park Stand renewable packaging, (b) nature protection activities on the island. Jose Manuel Durao Barroso municipalities such as the city of The Commission provided the TPA with President London that announced its an invaluable opportunity to promote the EU Commission commitment to reduce extent to which the islanders have greenhouse gases by 60% below demonstrated their shared commitment European Commission President 1990 levels by 2025 and (c) to the NGO’s conservation aims by Jose Manuel Barroso formally private organizations such as participating in the environmental launched the seventh edition of CO2 Logic that provides the conservation activities which have Green Week that reviewed past public with an opportunity to noticeably contributed to the island’s successes of EU environment policy measure their personal carbon growing ecotourism industry. Coastal with an analysis of weaknesses that emissions in CO2 terms volunteer clean-up, a new wetland can be converted to strengths, such [www.CO2logic.com]. development project, renewable energy as incorporating environmental development, marine species considerations into all Community Julia Marton-LeFevre, Director rehabilitation prototype project policies. The conference included General of IUCN, emphasized development, and a 2008 Tilos Green Week Conference Entrance discussions of climate change, that investment in remedial environmental internship project reversal of biodiversity loss and measures to obviate biodiversity sponsored by EUROPARC Federation protection of European landscapes loss must not be reduced or are just a few of the “green” actions on which include more than 30.000 overshadowed by the current Tilos initiated by the TPA with increasing registered Natura 2000 sites of which wave of proposed measures to stakeholder support. Tilos is one. A series of panel minimize the increasing effects of discussions were conducted that global climate change. Grant included such topics as (i) What can Lawrence, European be done to raise citizens’ awareness Commission DG Environment of environmental issues and Director from Scotland, reminded encourage lifestyle modifications the audience that the agricultural that will contribute significantly to industry is not to blame for environmental conservation? and (ii) excessive energy and water use How can business be encouraged to by providing products out of engage in biodiversity initiatives and season, such as winter The EU Commission Charlemagne “think green?”, such as making strawberries, to customers. He Building where the Green Week advance arrangements for the return said that it is the people who Conference was hosted by customers and recycling of retail must change what they ask of the goods after the expiration of their useful life. Green Week Conference Opening Tilos Park Journal Page: 4

Europarc Internship for Tilos Park

The Tilos Park was selected as one on the website. The TPA was LIFE Nature Project terminates in of only 12 locations throughout asked to provide environmental February 2008; and (ii) marine Europe to be a host site of a 2008 conservation actions that are species data procurement with internship program sponsored by the needed on Tilos and that would be recommended conservation Federation of Nature and National compatible with the aim of the prototype development actions to Parks of Europe e.V. (EUROPARC program. After consulting with rehabilitate the shellfish and fish Federation). EUROPARC is an scientific experts, the TPA populations that once thrived in umbrella organization that unites requested internship assistance Tilos and which would serve the Europe’s national, regional and with one of three possible scientific critically endangered nature parks as well as biosphere subjects: (i) an assessment of the Mediterranean Monk Seal reserves in 38 countries. The aim of quality, sufficiency and accessibility [Monachus monachus] population the organization is to protect of fresh water for wildlife, including and endangered Posidonia sea Europe’s wildlife, habitats and the new wetland scheduled to be grasses in Tilos waters. landscapes. [www.europarc.org] The completed by December 2007 internship sponsorship is derived provided that the Municipality The EUROPARC internship from TPA membership in timely completes the work for program for Tilos will provide EUROPARC Federation. which the TPA procured €373.000 technical assistance and guidance in approved funding from EU to the island that will contribute to Information about the internship Interreg III exclusively for the the continuing education towards program entitled “Working for Nature Municipality; (ii) a continuing the effective management of a – Nature for Working” is accessible ornithological monitoring after the Natura 2000 site.

The Geology of Tilos

In April, Dr. Martin Clarke (B.S., Clarke extrapolates island geological previously exist on Tilos has been Ph.D.), formerly affiliated with the history, as it relates to the region’s generously provided on a British Geological Survey, generously history, from what can be “seen philanthropic basis by individuals presented the TPA with a paper during any walk whether a high such as Dr. Clarke with expertise in entitled “Notes on the Geology of altitude trek or simply a stroll on any areas including geology, ornithology, Tilos” prepared as a result of an beach.” One example of how he botany, marine biology, climatology island visit made in 2006 and “reads” the island’s history is and other fields of study. The TPA subsequent literature research. Dr. illustrated in a morning walk he took greatly appreciates each contribution Geological Map of Tilos from Tilos Clarke traces the island geology as to Kastello Peak above Megalo Horio. of scientific data that have been Environmental Study far back as the period from 250-60 In his thesis, there is a photograph of proven to be interrelated, million years ago in which exceptional quality taken on this peak interdependent and very valuable to sedimentary rocks, now forming the that clearly illustrates different layers this island SPA. highest peaks of the island, were of rock in alternating colors of cream, deposited on the floor of an ancient pale pink, gold, taupe and gray. He ocean known as Tethys. His paper describes the pale pink beds as chert describes island rock compositions in bands in this limestone formation. a manner that entirely supports and Another photo taken during the walk explains modern Tilos studies to Gera shows “well-bedded ‘ribbon’ describing the island’s wildlife species chert” that meander in swirling and their preferred habitats. directions, and there are additional colorful photos that include vertically Dr. Clarke first provides the reader inclined red-purple cherts with well- with an introductory geological bedded limestones. Another photo NASA Satelite Photo of Tilos summary. This initial preview entices illustrates “Plinian” pumice beds with one to continue reading and learn well sorted pumice grains that Dr. more which is entirely feasible due to Clarke explains were named after Dr. Clarke’s clear writing style that who described similar enables one to relate basic island beds during the AD79 Vesuvius observations and common knowledge eruption and who was later killed by to an historical sequence of that eruption. geological events. He describes the important geological roles played The paper includes a series of throughout history by island plankton, diagrammatic maps, e.g. (i) the shells, skeletons, the pygmy Geological and Structural Map of Excerpt from Dr. Clarke’s “Notes on elephants that lived on Tilos between Tilos, (ii) the Main Features of the the Geology of Tilos” 50.000 and 4.000 BC, regional Aegean Microplate, (iii) the volcanic eruptions, movement of Subduction Process with the Volcanic portions (plates) of the crust of the Arc, (iv) Regional Pumice Outcrops earth and more. He describes the and more. Published scientific indigenous and non-indigenous origin references are cited as are of the sedimentary, igneous and acknowledgements to those who Hydro Map of Tilos from Tilos metamorphic rocks found on the contributed to his preparation of the Environmental Study island. paper.

One of the most appealing aspects of The TPA collection of scientific data this paper is the manner in which Dr. about the island which did not Tilos Park Journal Page: 5

Tilos Park Tilos Flora Data Collection Life Documents Great Spotted Association Cuckoo on Tilos In May, Mr. and Mrs. Pierre Seba from Attert, Belgium, visited the TPA office with three extensive volumes K. Mentzelopoulos containing Tilos botanical species data which they have Director compiled during their island visits which began in 1993.

Pascale is a pharmacist and Pierre is a retired professor Livadia of Latin and . Motivated by their lifelong Tilos, GR-85002 interest in the subject, they have photographed and researched Tilos flora throughout the island. In their flora books, one full page is devoted to an individual plant TEL.: +30-224-607-0880 species with multiple language species identification, FAX: +30-224-607-0892 species information in French and a color photo revealing stunning detail. The excellent quality of the photos E-MAIL: enables the viewer to distinguish the features of the [email protected] subject species from related species or species with similar characteristics. The books reveal the rich variety of indigenous plant life on the island which is a Corine Biotopes region having protected species of special European interest. The island’s 16 different biotopes are fed by a network of underground fresh water springs The Great Spotted Cuckoo [Clamator glandarius] th which supports the flora of this registered Special represents the 155 wild bird species officially Protection Area for the birds and Natura 2000 site. documented on Tilos by Dr. Haralambos Visit us on the Web! Alivizatos, the Chief Ornithologist of the EU Tilos LIFE Nature Project that continues until February 2008. This species is one of 30 which are www.tilos-park.org members of the cuckoo order of birds which includes roadrunners, coucals and Hoatzin. It winters in Africa and is a summer migrant to southern Europe and western Asia. This yellow, gray and white bird is 35-40 cm in length with a long tail and a feathery cap. It feeds primarily on insects with caterpillars being a favored food. It is a “brood parasite” which lays its eggs in the nest of corvids (crows, ravens, jays, magpies, etc.) and starlings (medium sized passerines). The primary behavioral distinction between the Common Cuckoo and the Great Spotted Cuckoo is that the Common variety pushes its host’s eggs out of the nest while the Great Spotted variety leaves the host’s eggs in the nest. Allowing the host’s eggs to remain does not, however, ensure the survival of Campanula Erinus the host’s chicks which usually cannot successfully compete with the cuckoo chicks for Mr. and Mrs. Seba can be contacted at food. [email protected] for further information about their Tilos flora treatises. [Please note that responses will only be in French.]

Tilos Bat Species Documented

By Dr. Haralambos Alivizatos During Tilos bird ringing activities on the evening of April 15th, a bat was caught in a mist net. The bat was identified as a Blasius

Horseshoe Bat [Rhinolophus blasii]. Prior One of the benefits derived from the EU LIFE to this date, no other bats Nature Program is the treasure trove of scientific have been documented on data that has been unearthed about the wildlife on Tilos according to the Tilos, such as the discovery of newly documented species on the island. This data, in turn, attracts Municipality records. A special study on Tilos bats specialists from a variety of scientific fields who would certainly reveal add their contributions which allow the TPA and several species judging by the EU LIFE Nature Program to enlighten the availability of habitats stakeholders and visitors about the valuable natural resources in this Special Protection Area. and reports by locals of bat colonies in caves.

Tilos Park Journal Page: 6

held by the occupants, no photographs were taken, and the boat was traveling at Blasius Horseshoe Bat a speed in variable directions that rendered photography impossible. Mr. Borchardt then asked the TPA Director “So, where are the photos?” because The Blasius Horseshoe Bat with its characteristic grey/brown fur, none were ever offered to demonstrate the alleged veracity of the boat owner’s documented by Peters in 1866, is considered medium-size with a explanation. weight of only 12-15 grams. Its length from nose to tail is 70-85 mm and its wingspan extends 280 mm. This bat derives its name from the After Mr. and Mrs. Borchardt left the LIFE Nature office, one local resident told part of its nose which resembles a horseshoe used for directing its the TPA Director that there is currently an island recreational sport in which ultrasound. It has broad, rounded wings and fluttery flight patterns. islanders take their speedboats and engage in “drag races” with the Mediterranean Shags. The Mediterranean Shag is one of the few Tilos island It roosts in caves, abandoned buildings, foliage and hollow trees. It water bird species that travels swiftly at a very low altitude over the sea. As a lives over a wide range of temperate to tropical woodland and open result, island youths have been observed in the exploitation of this water bird habitat where it feeds on insects. The regions of habitat include the behavior for their recreational pastimes in disregard of the resulting and Middle East, the Balkans, Africa, southern Europe (, Greece, sometimes fatal consequences. Cyprus) and . Its principal habitats include Savanna – Dry and Moist [2.1 and 2.2], Mediterranean with Shrubby Vegetation [3.8], and The Mediterranean Shag [Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii] is one of three Caves and Subterranean Habitats/Non-Aquatic [7.1 and 7.2]. [Source: wild bird species that are subjects of the current €825,000 European Union LIFE www.iucnredlist.org] Nature Program on Tilos designed to rehabilitate the dwindling populations of the Shag, Eleonora Falcon [Falco eleonorae] and Bonelli’s Eagle [Hieraaetus The species enjoys warm limestone fasciatus]. Dr. Haralambos Alivizatos has recorded 30+ breeding pairs of Shags areas with a fairly open cover of on Tilos and its uninhabited islets under the LIFE Nature project. shrubs and trees. This is consistent with the Tilos terrain which has the The Hellenic Ministry of Rural Food and Development is the EU Tilos LIFE highest regional formation of Nature Project Partner that is responsible for the acquisition of a boat which was limestone cliffs, phrygana and intended to be used for EU LIFE Nature research, data collection and wildlife forested areas of oak and terebinth surveillance on Tilos. As of July 2007 with only a few months to go before the trees. Tilos also has many caves end of the 3,5 year program, the Ministry has failed to fulfill this European Union previously inhabited part time by contractual obligation to the disappointment of the Commission and the island residents who required close remaining LIFE Nature Project partners. During the last 2 years, the boat proximity to their agricultural purchase would have provided the means to more accurately document the plantations or herds of farm animals. island’s wild bird populations and habitats, including the LIFE project’s targeted Today, these caves serve as shelter species, and would have facilitated the monitoring of unlawful Tilos island activity for island wildlife, including bats. for reporting to the Commission as well as to Hellenic national governmental authorities in an effort to obviate dangerous recreational pastimes or conditions. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, this species is considered “near threatened” because its population is fragmented and It is hoped that the Ministry of Rural Food and Development will ultimately fulfill has fewer than 10.000 individuals in total. The declining population in its delayed contractual obligations so that the aims of the boat purchase can be the southern regional habitats is attributed to deforestation, human fulfilled in the future. disturbance and construction development. The Hellenic Port Authority’s refusal to act in furtherance of the German visitors’ report concerning the abuse of an EU legally protected species is in direct Island Death Trap violation of EU Birds and Habitats Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC, respectively, and the new Environmental Damage Liability Directive 2004/35/EC that became effective April 30, 2007. This latter Directive, in pertinent part, “The moral progress of a civilization can be measured by the way it governs the mandatory prevention and remedy of damage to species strictly treats its animals.” protected by the EU Birds Directive 79/409/EEC, of which the Mediterranean Shag is one. Ghandi th On May 8 , Mr. and Mrs. Bert-Dieter Borchardt from Germany came to The Environmental Damage Liability Directive also governs the new method of the EU LIFE Nature office and reported an incident that they had assessing legal liability against individual “public or private persons” who control witnessed the previous day which adversely impacts the Tilos LIFE or permit an activity that damages the species strictly protected under EU laws. Nature Project sponsored by the European Commission. They observed This EU Directive states that legal responsibility may now be assessed against a speedboat driven and occupied by two islanders who pursued a individually named public or private persons who (a) make the decision to permit Mediterranean Shag [Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii] across or control human activities that cause damage to legally protected species and/or Livadia Bay without apparent purpose. They explained in detail how they (b) fail to take action to prevent or mitigate such damage. It would be prudent for witnessed the bird flying at high speed zigzagging in different directions in the Hellenic government to inform the relevant officials of this new Directive of its unsuccessful attempt to escape the boat that pursued it. They watched which NGOs may now actively participate in the implementation. the bird grow progressively weaker and slower as it was unable to escape or sustain its defensive maneuvers. They reported that the bird If Ghandi were correct in his assertion that the moral progress of a civilization eventually disappeared into the sea without resurfacing. can be measured by the way it treats its animals, what does this reported incident and the islander’s report of similar Tilos activities reflect about the The couple described in detail the incident, the boat and the islanders to progress, if any, of this modern human culture? the TPA office staff. A TPA staff member escorted Mr. and Mrs. Borchardt to the Tilos Port Authority because the couple requested the opportunity to make an official report. According to Mr. Borchardt, the Hellenic Port Authority representative declined to accommodate the couple’s request and said that “it was not [their] duty to file such a report”. After having been spurned by the Hellenic Port authorities who are either unaware or neglectful of their legal obligation to enforce relevant EU Directives, Mr. and Mrs. Borchardt returned to the TPA office and recounted this additional experience to the TPA Director.

During this time, the boat owner had been told that island visitors reported his conduct as well as his companion’s participation in the incident to the local NGO and Port office. While Mr. and Mrs. Borchardt were in the TPA office, the boat owner called the TPA Director to explain that he and his companion were following the bird in order to take nature photographs. Mr. and Mrs. Borchardt each declared that no camera was Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii

Tilos Park Journal Page: 7

Elix International Volunteers Help Tilos Despite Obstacles

The first of three summer groups of international volunteers arrived July 4, 2007 under the sponsorship of Elix, an international volunteer organization based in Athens, to offer philanthropic environmental conservation assistance to the island. The first group of thirteen volunteers from France, Spain, South Korea, Finland, Serbia, US, Greece and Slovakia worked for two weeks in restoring walking paths degraded from storms and goats as well as natural habitats degraded from human neglect.

Elix was first contacted by the TPA Director in 2006 to ascertain the feasibility of future cooperation for the benefit of Tilos. Katerina Tsekoura and Marina Sarli made a personal visit to Tilos to meet with the TPA Director who explained the wildlife, natural and cultural island history, TPA environmental conservation actions and stakeholder aims. The TPA provided the Elix representatives with an island tour, and further meetings together resulted in a 2007 assistance plan for the island which has been realized.

Elix processes international volunteer applicants, arranges for their insurance, organizes two week field excursions in groups consisting of approximately 12, assists the participants with travel arrangements, abruptly evicted the group from monastery property after learning that the arranges for discounted food prices from the host communities for the group’s philanthropic work was associated with the TPA. Since there was benefit of the volunteers, assures in advance the sufficiency and no justifiable reason for their forced removal from monastery property adequacy of accommodations for the volunteers, and more. because the TPA/Elix had obtained prior permission from Father Manolis Pokias to perform philanthropic clean-up work, the incident presented one of three significant negative impressions to the international volunteers of how Tilos permanent residents manage or mismanage island activities. In the case of St. Panteleimon, Father Manolis arranged for the return of the volunteers who worked tirelessly before the annual July 25-27 St. Panteleimon Festival.

The second negative impression was created when some experienced volunteers who had served other European municipalities inquired as to why their request for rudimentary Municipal supplies, such as rakes for beach cleaning or trash bag supplies, to facilitate their tasks were denied. The volunteer group succeeded commendably in its endeavors despite the notable absence of any Municipal cooperation or support.

The third negative impression was created when certain volunteers expressed their dismay at the vast extent of island trash abandoned by community residents who use their pick-up trucks to dump unwanted household goods and construction materials throughout the countryside. One volunteer remarked that this was not a custom in the volunteer’s home country. Tilos garbage abandonment, about which scores of holiday visitors have complained at the EU Tilos LIFE Nature office, is illustrated in the photo seen below, which was submitted by Dr. Enrico Cavina, a retired Italian surgeon and part time island resident. The TPA Director welcomed the group with a discussion of the importance of the task that lay ahead and the enormous value that their The TPA presented a DVD video of Tilos to each volunteer as a contribution brings to the island conservation efforts. The volunteers were memento from their visit and as a token of appreciation for all of their joined by Ms. Penelope Triantafillidas and Mr. Giorgo Tatsis from Elix and hard work in 35+ degree temperatures. A lasting benefit from their legacy Telis Hadzifoudas from the TPA who supervised the group and may be that the volunteers’ care of Tilos will serve as a role model for contributed immeasurably to the group accomplishments. The TPA residents who have the ability to improve the island’s natural habitats for Director played part of the Live Earth Concert series for them since it was wildlife and provide a cleaner, safer environment for themselves and in progress at the time of their working visit. [The Live Earth Concert visitors; however, desire as well as commitment are pre-requisites which series event designed to raise public awareness of climate change was must originate from the residents themselves and are not capable of organized by Al Gore, conducted in 7 continents and viewed by more being donated by foreigners. than 1,2 billion people worldwide.] The TPA Director then discussed with the volunteers the added benefits of this group experience which were likely to include an intercultural bonding and understanding of one another which will serve the participants well after they return to their home country.

The volunteers experienced certain challenges in their efforts to provide much-needed cleaning assistance to certain island areas. The group’s visit to St. Panteleimon Monastery was marred when Mr. Fanouris Koumpianos, a local Tilos Greek Orthodox Church Council member, Trash in Eristos Photograph by Dr. Enrico Cavina Download the Free Tilos Park Toolbar for your Computer at: http://TilosPark.OurToolbar.com