Description of organisation

"CALLISTO - Wildlife and Nature Conservation Society" is an Environmental NGO (a civil, not-for-profit society), which was founded in Thessaloniki, Greece, on July 2004, by scientists with extensive experience and specialisation in ecological issues.

Callisto aims to study, protect and manage the populations and habitats of large carnivores, bears and wolves and other endangered species of wildlife. We aim also improving the coexistence of man and wildlife and the protection of the environment as public and try to support and encourage the decision - making centres to implement proper policies concerning the natural environment and the quality of human life.

▪ Conservation of biodiversity and areas of high natural and aesthetic value, with emphasis on mountainous ecosystems and forests in Greece, the Balkans and other neighbouring countries.
▪ Study, conservation and management of wild fauna populations, especially of large carnivores (bear, wolf, lynx, jackal) that inhabit the above areas.
▪ Elaboration and implementation of projects for the protection and management of wildlife and the natural environment. Emphasis is given to projects aiming at the improvement of conditions for coexistence between human and large carnivores.
▪ Information, awareness-raising, and activation of the public for imposing control over the decision-making centres regarding environmental issues.
▪ Development of environmental education and training programs in schools and for adults
▪ Development of voluntarism to serve conservation actions.
▪ Support for the establishment and operation of Protected Areas and Ecological Networks, to preserve biodiversity, as well as the natural and cultural heritage.
▪ Development of scientific research and its applications as well as building national and international cooperation and networking for the above purposes.
▪ Activism for environmental protection at a local level, like cleaning, campaigns, safeguard of nature

Target groups are several. From the decision makers on environmental issues, to pupils and youth regarding environmental education and the general public to raise awareness about environmental themes.

Inclusion topics

This organisation is willing to involve volunteers who face situations which make their participation in activities more difficult, from the following categories for different types of project:

• Educational difficulties
• Geographical obstacles
• Social obstacles