The establishment of the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature
The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature was founded at the initiative of Iakovos Santorinaios with the support of fifty distinguished persons of the sciences and letters. They were pioneers in their concern over the issues of nature conservation, and at a time when ecology and environmental protection were unknown words and concepts in Greece. In the same year, the HSPN joined the IUCN as a member.
1951
The production of the first educational material for teachers and students
The HSPN, in cooperation with the IUCN, published educational material for Greek teachers which emphasized themes on questions about nature conservation. It distributed this material to all schools in the country.
1952
The establishment of Samaria National Park, one of the first of a series of important and successful environmental measures promoted by the HSPN
After a decade of continuous efforts, the HSPN succeeded in having the Samaria
Gorge declared a National Park, and in ensuring the protection of the endangered Cretan Wild Goat.
1962
Signing of the Ramsar Convention
The Secretary General of HSPN Byron Antipas signed the “Ramsar Convention” in Iran as the official Greek representative for the protection of wetlands of international importance.
1971
Publication of the magazine «Nature»
The HSPN published the first issue of the periodical “Nature”, with a variety of articles on nature and environmental issues, but also with references to its own activities. Since then, the periodical has been published regularly.
1975
Establishment of the Ornithological Group
The HSPN’s Ornithological Group was established to stimulate young scientists and to support all those involved in ornithological research. Today this group has evolved into the “Hellenic Ornithological Society”.
1977
A conference on the Protection of Wildlife, Flora and Habitats
Within the framework of the Council of Europe’s campaign for the protection of wildlife, flora and natural habitats, the HSPN organized a special conference to provide a general overview and discussion of the critical problems of Greek nature.
1979
The HSPN received an award from the Academy of Athens
1982
The establishment of the Society for the Protection of Prespa
The “Society for the Protection of Prespa” was founded by seven Greek and three European environmental organizations – including the HSPN – and has decisively changed the future of that protected area.
1991
The HSPN was appointed the National operator of the International Programme “Blue Flag”
The HSPN became a member of FEE and has undertaken since then, as a national
operator, the international programme “Blue Flag”, one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-labels that promotes the sustainable management of beaches, marinas and boating tourism operators.
1992
Participation in the campaign against the diversion of the Acheloos River
The HSPN joined the group formed by the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Culture and WWF Greece against the catastrophic plan to divert the Acheloos. Despite six consecutive court victories, the fight continues today.
1993
Launching of the «Young Journalists for the Environment» programme in Greece
The “Young Journalists for the Environment” programme encourages students aged 11-25 to research environmental issues and promote solutions through investigative reporting, photography, and video journalism.
1993
First LIFE project
The project “Protection and management of brown bear populations and habitats in Greece” is the first of a long series of nature conservation projects in which the HSPN has participated in or coordinates.
1994
Launching of the «Eco Schools» programme in Greece
“Eco Schools” is the world’s largest programme for the sustainable management of schools. The aim of the programme is to raise awareness, educate and change students’ attitudes on issues related to the environment. It operates by encouraging students to participate in the planning and the decision-making.
1995
Launching of the educational programme «Nature without Garbage»
This is a nationwide campaign of the HSPN to free Greek nature from litter. It has involved the creation of volunteer groups of students, Guides, Scouts, representatives of Municipalities and Communities, teachers and representatives of local organizations. In 2022 the network and its activities were incorporated into the ‘Eco-Schools’ programme.
1996
Award from the Council of Europe and the FORD Foundation
1997
Establishment of the «Byron Antipas» award
Honoring the late Byron Antipas, a founding member and the driving force of the
Society for 35 years, the HSPN established this award in the name of Antipas. It is given to individuals or non-governmental organizations that have effectively and selflessly contributed to the protection of Greek nature and the environment.
1998
Launching of the educational programme «Green Corners of my Neighborhood»
The programme has encouraged students to adopt and protect “green corners” of their neighbourhood and to raise awareness by learning about the flora and fauna of the urban environment. In 2022 it was incorporated into the “Learning about Forests” programme.
1999
Launching of the «Learning about Forests» Programme in Greece
“ Learning about Forests” advocates outdoor learning and hands-on experiences, and helps the pupils to acquire a deeper and more involved understanding of the natural world, and to realize the need for the protection of biodiversity and forest ecosystems.
2001
Appointed the National operator of the «Green Key» International Programme
The “ Green Key ” is a leading international eco-label, which advocates sustainable development in the tourism industry. It is awarded to enterprises in the tourism sector that comply with strict environmental criteria.
2009
Conference on the 20th anniversary of the signing of Directive 92/43/EEC
The HSPN organized a workshop on the importance of the twenty-year Directive 92/43/EEC for the protection of the European natural heritage, and of significance of the creation of the European network of protected areas “Natura 2000”.
2012
Organization of the first Summer School
The HSPN organized the first of a series of “Summer Schools” where participating teachers exchange ideas, methods and good practices, and where they can to work together in fieldwork groups.
2016
Πρόγραμμα Πρόληψης Δασικών Πυρκαγιών
Η πρωτοβουλία της ΕΕΠΦ για την «Πρόληψη Δασικών Πυρκαγιών» είναι μία ομπρέλα από προγράμματα, έργα και επιμέρους δράσεις, τόσο για την πρόληψη, όσο και για την αντιμετώπιση των καταστροφικών δασικών πυρκαγιών.
2017
The “Running Out of Time” Relay
The HSPN coordinated the Greek section of the largest non-stop global relay “race” in order to raise awareness and mobilize the public to tackle the problem of climate change. The relay was undertaken in preparation for the COP27 in Egypt.
2022
Launching of the “Protection of Nature LAB”
Recently, the HSPN has launched an annual cycle of lectures and workshops for the general public. These aim at improving the environmental knowledge of any and all of those who are interested.
2023
Promotion of the Greening Education Partnership (GEP) in Greece
The HSPN is participating today in the global Greening Education Partnership (GEP) campaign, coordinated by UNESCO, which aims at transforming education systems. UNESCO recognizes the “Eco-Schools” programme as the most suitable model for achieving the objectives of GEP’s Pillar 1.
