Programme for man and wildlife coexistence, Callisto
Run by the environmental organisation Callisto, the programme titled Wildlife Νext to Us focused on investigating and improving the conditions for the coexistence of man and wildlife in the suburban habitats of Thessaloniki and the nearby Sheikh Su forest and Mount Chortiatis. Programme actions included recording environmental trends that indicated the return of wild mammals (bears, wolves and jackals) near urban areas, as well as the attitudes of urban residents towards them; highlighting the ecological and social significance of suburban habitats; and supporting the coexistence of man and wildlife. Implemented with the support of the A. G. Leventis Foundation, the programme succeeded in recording the existing situation regarding the conservation status of habitats and selected species in the project area, and in capturing community attitudes towards them. Also, it included environmental education, sensitisation and awareness activities based on the research results, with the aim to improve the way people react to the reappearance of wild mammals in their extended urban ‘neighbourhood’.
Grants given:
2018, 2019
