Pindos Perivallontiki, within the framework of the implementation of the project “Enhancing connectivity of Balkan chamois in PONT Focus Region in North-Western Greece” (acronym: Chamois), implemented various awareness-raising and public participation actions around the ecological corridors of the Balkan chamois in Greece.
As part of the awareness-raising actions, 4 lectures were held in the villages within the project area (PP-CCA) in August 2023. More specifically, we had a lecture on 02/08/2023 in Vovousa, a second in Vrysochori on 11/08/2023, a third in Laista on 12/08/2023 and a fourth in Vradeto on 19/08/2023. The project partners presented multimedia material on the Balkan Chamois to the residents.
Following the awareness-raising actions, on 7/2/2024, an online seminar entitled “Wild natural areas and wild fauna – Modern” was held, organized by the KEPEA of Karpenisi on the topic “Wild natural areas and wild fauna – Modern proposals”, within the framework of the National Thematic Network: “Wild fauna at risk”. The aim of the seminar was to present issues related to modern needs in wild natural areas and how it affects wild fauna. Dr. Charitakis Papaioannou participated as a speaker in the seminar with the title of presentation: “The Balkan Chamois in Greece: Dangers, challenges”. Participants: >100 people.
Part of our actions was also prompted by the presentation of Dr. Papaioannou Charitakis on 11/12/2024 at the Conference for International Mountain Day by the EOS of Ioannina, with the title of presentation: “The Balkan Chamois in northwestern Greece”. Participants 10 people.
Another one of our public awareness raising actions was our involment in a Study trip on December 16th-18th, 2024, in Konitsa, Greece. The activity aimed to show and teach the local actors of the Polis-Valamarë-Rungajë-Moravë-Gramoz CCA in Albania about the management of a similar ecological corridor in Greece, the roles of actors involved, and what can be improved from a legal perspective, and in terms of cooperation between local actors for a better sustainable management and development. On 17th December 2024 Dr Haritakis Papaioannou gave a lecture with the title: “The PINDOS-PRESPES Connectivity Conservation Area (PP-CCA)” and made a visit in the field presenting and explaining to the participants the PP-CCA from Prophet Elias viewpoint of Konitsa. Chamois project was presented as well.
Apart from the above, our actions continued on 13/3/2025, where Dr. Papaioannou Charitakis participated in the Online Conference entitled “Alpine Ecosystems of Greece: Biodiversity and Climate Challenges” which was held in co-organization with the volunteer group of students of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Biodiversity AUTH and LiMnADs Project, with the title of the presentation: “The Balkan Chamois of the Greek mountains”. Participants: 100 people.
On 7/4/2025, Pindos Perivallontiki participated in a hybrid event by the Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory of the Department of Biological Applications & Technologies of the University of Ioannina with representatives of Dr. Charitakis Papaioannou and Konstantinos Papakosta, who gave a presentation entitled: “The Balkan chamois and the connectivity of its populations in NW Greece (PONT project)”. The talk presented the basic characteristics of the species, as well as the study of its populations in NW Greece in terms of habitat suitability and the connectivity of the different populations in the area. The study is part of the PONT (Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust) Project “Enhancing connectivity of Balkan chamois in North-Western Greece”. Participants: 40 people.
On 30/4/2025, Pindos Perivallontiki participated in an online conference entitled: “Knowledge of Biodiversity: its Value and Increase with Citizen Science Tools”, Library of the School of Sciences of the National University of Athens, Zografou Campus (Athens). The conference focused on highlighting the importance of Knowledge of Biodiversity, the presentation of the various types of data related to it, as well as practical applications for increasing this data through Citizen Science tools. Representatives from iSea, the Goulandris National Museum of Natural History, NECCA, the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Man – MedINA, the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the Prespa Protection Society, the Balkan Chamois Society, as well as Kostas Papafitsoros (Queen Mary University of London, ARCHELON) participated. The event was held in collaboration with the Goulandris National Museum of Natural History and iNaturalistGR and was implemented with the support of WWF Greece within the framework of the obSERVING NATURE program, part of the “Alliance for Wildlife” initiative. Pindos Perivallontiki participated with a presentation entitled: “The Balkan chamois and the role of civil society”. Speakers: Dr Haritakis Papaioannou, K. Papakostas. Participants: 100 people.
In addition , on May 11, 2025, an educational excursion was organized on Mount Tymfi, in the wider area of Vrysochori, with the aim of introducing participants to the ecology and conservation of the Balkan Chamois(Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica). The event attracted great interest, with more than 350 applications, of which eventually 47 people were chosen to participate. The group consisted of 40 students and staff members of the University of Ioannina, along with seven citizens, including professional mountain guides and members of the Ioannina Mountaineering Club.
During the excursion, the participants walked through beech forests and alpine meadows, experiencing the rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes of Tymfi. Wildlife observations included groups of Balkan chamois with their kids and yearlings and a female bear with her cubs, offering a unique and powerful encounter with large mammals in their natural environment. During the trip, participants were also introduced to ecological concepts related to the Balkan chamois, its habitat requirements and the importance of habitat connectivity for the long-term survival of the species. In addition, the application regarding the recording of chamois observations in the field (Agriogido app) was presented to the participants. The excursion was publicly reported, as a journalist from the local television channel EpirusTV1 participated in the event, recording footage and conducting interviews. A short feature on the activity was broadcast afterwards, further highlighting the importance of the initiative and the high level of local interest (EpirusTV1, 2025; available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1ElIdrY5hE).
To assess the educational impact and experiential dimension of the activity, an anonymous structured questionnaire was distributed to all participants at the end of the field trip. In total, 45 out of 47 participants completed the questionnaire (96% response rate). The questionnaire included closed and open-ended questions designed to capture (i) participants’ overall evaluation of the field trip, (ii) knowledge gained about the Balkan chamois and its habitat, (iii) perceptions of the importance of ecological connectivity, (iv) their direct experience of observing the species, and (v) their participation and willingness to use the citizen science mobile app “Agriogido”. Finally, an open-ended question invited participants to reflect on the most important experience they gained from the trip, providing qualitative information about the educational and social dimensions of the event.
In addition to the above events in Greece, Pindos Perivallontiki participated in the Symposium on Connectivity Conservation Areas organized by PPNEA in the Albanian Alps (11–13 June 2025), represented by Dr. Petridou Maria, who participated as a guest speaker and delivered two presentations:
1. “Description of the Connectivity Conservation Area in Northwestern Greece: a PONT Study” – describing the PP-CCA and presenting the activities and outcomes of the CHAMOIS-Agriogido project within its framework.
2. “Wolf–livestock interactions in Northwestern Greece: Husbandry practices, socioeconomic context, and insights from camera trapping” – based on Dr. Petridou’s PhD research (BCL), which was largely conducted within the PP-CCA.
Another action concerns participation in an event entitled: “TZOUMERKA: Natural environment- Values- Challenges- Prospects” which took place in Kalarrytes on the weekend of July 26-27, 2025, organized by the Patriotic Association of Kalarrytes “Pindos”.
A speech was given by Dr. Charitakis Papaioannou on 27/7/2025 entitled: “The Balkan Chamois, an emblematic animal of the Pindos mountains”. The presentation had two parts. Part A concerned the Balkan Chamois in general and Part B the Chamois project.
Also, Dr. Haritakis Papaioannou and Professor Vasiliki Kati participated as guest speakers at the Transboundary Rivers Forum (with emphasis on the Aoos/Aoos River), organized by MedINA in Ioannina, Greece (24–27 September 2025). Dr. Haritakis Papaioannou delivered a keynote presentation titled “The Pindos–Prespes Connectivity Conservation Area (PP-CCA)”, where the CHAMOIS-Agriogido project was also presented.
Prof. Kati participated in a discussion panel on “Rivers as Ecological Corridors.”
Finally, on 10/10/2025, Pindos Perivallontiki/ Balkan Chamois Society/ BCL-University of Ioannina represented by prof. Vassiliki Kati and Dr. Papaioannou Haritakis, participated in a Conference during the 8th Panhellenic Trails Meeting in Kastoria. Dr. Papaioannou performed a lecture entitled: “The Balkan Chamois in Northwestern Greece”. Participants: >200 people.
The “CHAMOIS-Chamois” project is implemented by “Pindos Perivallontiki” in collaboration with the “Balkan Chamois Society”, the Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory of the Department of Biological Applications & Technologies of the University of Ioannina and the “KoinSEP Scheme”. The project is financially supported by the “Prespa Ochrid Nature Trust” and the “A.G. Leventis” Foundation.
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