Grants
Biodiversity Conservation
On the Watch: Assessing Bird Populations in Aegina
€4,800 awarded
Project duration: February 2025 – July 2025
Status: On Going
Grantees: Aeginaia
THE CHALLENGE:
Southern Aegina, particularly the popular tourist destination of Perdika, faces significant environmental pressures. The influx of tourists, coupled with inadequate implementation of environmental laws and the lack of comprehensive urban planning, threaten the delicate balance of the region’s ecosystems. Notably, many bird species that inhabit this area are at risk, underscoring the need for immediate and effective conservation efforts.
THE SOLUTION:
Within our commitment to protect natural ecosystems by supporting initiatives that enhance biodiversity conservation and community involvement, AEF is supporting this grassroots initiative that empowers local environmental groups in the Perdika region. Through our collaboration with the local organisation Aiginaia and the Hellenic Ornithological Society, we wish to highlight the area’s rich bird diversity and inspire conservation efforts for partridge (Perdika) and other species. By working alongside local stakeholders with deep knowledge and respect for the region’s values and national organisations with scientific expertise, we will strengthen environmental monitoring and advocacy, focusing on the preservation of Perdika’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
Aiginaia’s targeted actions include mobilizing local environmental groups, incorporating scientific expertise, engaging educational institutions, raising awareness, recruiting volunteers and encouraging active participation from the local community.
THE OUTCOMES:
The project outlines the following milestones:
– Training workshop for local environmental groups on bird monitoring, wildlife photography and handling of environmental violation incidents
– Survey recordings of bird populations in southern Aegina
– Environmental educational programme on birds to the Perdika elementary school
– Raising awareness about the significance of birds in the region through information boards along with printed and digital publications
OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATION:
For over 20 years, the Aeginaia cultural organisation has published an annual journal on Aegina’s history, culture, and environment, becoming a key reference for the island’s heritage. In 2020, it digitized all past issues in collaboration with the National Documentation Centre, expanding their reach across the Argosaronic Gulf.
This grant supports expert assistance for the Aeginaia biodiversity project, with the next journal issue focused on threatened bird populations. Through On the Watch: Assessing Bird Populations in Aegina, Aeginaia continues its mission to protect the island’s natural heritage for future generations.