ESC: Protection,monitoring and awareness for wildlife in Thrace Greece

The Society for the Protection of Biodiversity of Thrace is a civil non-profit organization formed in September 2020 and takes action in the region of Thrace. The Society’s efforts focus mainly in the mountainous and semi-mountainous regional units of Evros and Rodopi. Its main purpose is the conservation of the natural environment of Thrace by monitoring birds of prey as key indicators of biodiversity, and at the same time by promoting projects for the harmonious coexistence of human and nature. More specifically, the Society aims at the protection of birdlife rare species and the conservation of their natural habitat. This is achieved through projects that reduce farming damages caused by carnivores and in turn the illegal use of poison baits and the degradation of the natural habitat of these birds of prey due to poor administration or energy infrastructure that is found responsible for their killing through collision or electrocution. In addition to that, the Society strives to boost the local farming economy through innovative projects to prevent rural depopulation by young people and the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of Thrace as key factors for social and economic growth. WWF Greece has passed this extended experience down to the Society for the Protection of Biodiversity of Thrace and its people. These people bring in experience in matters of conservation, monitoring biological and human factors, implementing administrative measures to protect birdlife, exercising policy and executing projects for ecotourism, education and environmental awareness for students and adults. The main actions of the Society are: 1.Protection of rare vultures and raptors of Thrace and decrease their threats. 2. Awareness and information of authorities and citizens of Thrace on rare avifauna species. The main activities which the volunteers will be involved in are: 1. Breeding monitoring of Egyptian vulture and Griffon vulture in the wider area of Thrace. 2. Assistance to anti-poison dog unit patrols for detection of poison baits and poisoned animals. 3. Monitoring of birds of prey species in Thrace, location of nests or recording of presence. 4. Participation in the installation of fences (electric and fladry) aiming to the protection of livestock and farms from mammals. 5. Participation in bird carcass search after collision with wind turbines or electric wires. 6. Participation in fitting transmitters on vultures and raptors. 7. Monitoring of locations downloaded by transmitters 8. Participation in raptor’s rescue 9. Entry data (e.g. spatial data) collected during the field work, creation of maps, organization of photos from trap cameras, etc 10. Bird monitoring in the Evros Delta National Park in collaboration with the Management Body of Evros Delta. 11. Support and participation in various events (environmental, cultural, etc.). 12. Implementation of educational actions "Symbolic Adoption of Egyptian Vulture" and information about the poison baits in schools of Thrace. 13. Awareness actions for stakeholders and local people, such as seminars, information campaigns and conferences 14. Participation in the design and organization of information or awareness materials 15. Promoting volunteering and the European Solidarity Corps project via interviews, presentations to university students or other youth groups.