Our projects

The LIFE ARCPROM project aimed to improve the coexistence between brown bears and people in three National Parks in Greece—Prespa, Northern Pindos, and the Rhodope Mountain Range—and in the Majella National Park in Italy.

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is a threatened species classified as a priority species under European legislation and enjoys strict legal protection. In Greece, its conservation status is classified as Endangered, while the Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus), found in Italy’s Majella National Park, is classified as Critically Endangered.

The LIFE ARCPROM project, “Improving the conditions for coexistence between brown bears and humans in four National Parks of Southern Europe,” was coordinated by Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature and implemented in partnership with the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), two Greek universities (the University of Thessaly and the University of Western Macedonia), Majella National Park, and WWF Italy.

The project’s primary objective was to strengthen the institutional capacity and operational capabilities of three National Parks in Greece—Northern Pindos, Prespa, and the Rhodope Mountain Range—and Majella National Park in Italy, with the aim of improving, in practical terms, the conditions for coexistence between people and brown bears within their respective areas of responsibility.

The main objectives of the LIFE ARCPROM project included:

• addressing incidents of bears approaching human settlements;
• reducing illegal practices such as the use of poison baits;
• implementing effective measures to prevent damage caused by large carnivores to agricultural activities, including electric fencing, bear-proof waste containers, and livestock guardian dogs.

Scientific expertise and technical support were provided by the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Thessaly, WWF Italy, and Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature, which also served as the project coordinator.

The project’s visual identity and communication materials were developed by the Department of Fine and Applied Arts of the University of Western Macedonia.

The five-year project officially began in October 2019 and was completed in June 2025. Its key objectives included developing innovative approaches to managing human–bear interactions, addressing the increasing presence of bears near human settlements, reducing illegal practices with widespread impacts on wildlife and ecosystems—such as the use of poison baits—and implementing effective measures to prevent damage caused by large carnivores to agricultural production.

Project duration: October 2019 – June 2025 (69 months)

Learn more about LIFE ARCPROM at lifearcprom.uowm.gr.

As part of the Best Belt programme, Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature, in partnership with WWF Bulgaria, implemented the project “Connecting People & Wildlife in the Balkan Green Belt”, with the aim of protecting wildlife along the Greek–Bulgarian border by studying four large mammal species: the brown bear, grey wolf, roe deer, and wild boar.

The project focused on investigating habitat connectivity for brown bears—and other large mammals—across the border region between Orvilos/Slavyanka Mountain and the western part of the Rhodope Mountain Range, along the Nestos/Mesta River. Another key objective was to raise awareness among local communities, encourage public participation, and strengthen support for wildlife conservation efforts.

The project examined the Greek–Bulgarian Friendship ecological corridor (green bridge) located along the border and documented the presence of large mammals in the area. Particular attention was given to the brown bear (Ursus arctos), a priority species under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), whose habitats and ecological connectivity require continued protection. The project also recorded the presence of the grey wolf (Canis lupus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa).

Field teams monitored the presence of these species and assessed the threats they face through field surveys, interviews with local stakeholders, the recording of wildlife signs, and the deployment of camera traps. Data on species ecology were collected and analysed, alongside damage records compiled by the competent authorities over the previous 15 years. Species distribution models were also used to map potential bear habitats. To ensure methodological consistency across the study area, the project partners developed common field protocols and data collection forms. Mobile applications, including SmartBird and LIFE Safe-Crossing, were also used for field data collection.

Local communities participated both directly and indirectly in the project as sources of information, volunteers, and key stakeholders in the consultation process. The importance of nature conservation and landscape connectivity was communicated to local authorities and communities with the aim of promoting an integrated land-use management strategy based on sustainable and economically viable solutions. These measures are intended to preserve and strengthen ecological connectivity, improve conditions for human–wildlife coexistence, and support the European Green Belt Initiative in the Balkans. As part of this effort, the project team also informed local stakeholders about best practices for living alongside large mammals, including conflict prevention measures, damage prevention techniques, and compensation procedures. Educational and awareness materials were produced for local communities and visitors, while informal meetings, educational activities, and a two-day conference were organised at the conclusion of the project.

The project’s impact was further enhanced through the active involvement of volunteers who supported the field teams during project activities. This participatory approach broadened the project’s outreach and advanced the vision of the European Green Belt Initiative through cross-border cooperation between Callisto, WWF Bulgaria, and local stakeholders.

Project information

Lead Partner: Callisto (Greece)

Project Partner: WWF Bulgaria (Bulgaria)

Project duration: 18 months

Implementation period: 1 January 2024 – 30 June 2025

Total project budget: €58,705.55

The project “Supporting Actions to Improve Human–Wolf Coexistence in Greece” aimed to design and implement initiatives that improve the conditions for coexistence between people and wolves in Greece. Its objectives included informing the general public about wolves, raising awareness among citizens as well as specific target groups—such as teachers, students, and families—about the importance of coexistence, while also strengthening the monitoring and management of human–wolf interactions and implementing measures to mitigate potential conflicts.

Particular emphasis was placed on supporting professional groups, especially livestock farmers, as well as staff of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), through the application and evaluation of preventive and deterrent measures. The project also included the development and dissemination of educational and awareness materials through the project’s website, social media channels, and dedicated public events. In parallel, a training programme was designed for NECCA personnel to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills in monitoring and managing human–wolf interactions within protected areas.

The project’s main activities included overall coordination and management, communication and outreach actions, environmental awareness and education initiatives, monitoring and management activities involving volunteers, and training for NECCA staff.

The project was implemented between 16 October 2023 and 15 May 2025, with a total budget of €50,000. The project partners were the Alterthess Information and Publishing Cooperative and the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA).

The project was implemented under Priority Axis 4 – “Innovative Actions with Citizens” of the Natural Environment & Innovative Actions 2022 funding programme, with Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature as the lead beneficiary and funding provided by the Green Fund.

As a member of the European Green Belt initiative, Callisto participated in the European Green Belt Days 2025 by organising a series of public awareness and outreach events in the Rhodope region. The aim was to present the organisation’s conservation work in the area while promoting the objectives of the European Green Belt initiative, which represents an important step towards strengthening cross-border cooperation for nature conservation while supporting the sustainable development of border regions.

The project “Celebrating the European Green Belt Days 2025” was successfully implemented in the village of Potamoi, near the Greek–Bulgarian border. Its primary objective was to promote the shared natural and cultural heritage of the transboundary region and strengthen cooperation between local communities, organisations, and public authorities.

Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature, in collaboration with WWF Bulgaria, coordinated the implementation of the project. Through a series of awareness-raising and educational activities, the project helped communicate the importance of the European Green Belt and the opportunities it offers for nature conservation and the sustainable development of the region.

Activities and results

To achieve its objectives, the project relied on building partnerships and actively engaging the local community. Significant support was provided by the President and members of the Potamoi Community Council, the “Despatis” Cultural Association of Potamoi, and local businesses. Journalists from Thessaloniki and Drama also attended the events, helping to increase their visibility and public outreach.

A presentation on the European Green Belt initiative and the Best Belt project was delivered to local authorities and residents. More than 50 participants attended the event, strengthening local engagement in nature conservation.

Two educational activities were also organised: an environmental activity for preschool children and a guided nature walk accompanied by discussions on the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. More than 15 children participated, helping to foster environmental awareness among younger generations.

Journalists from Thessaloniki, Drama, and the Rhodope region attended the events and contributed to promoting the initiative through the media. In particular, two journalists and one photojournalist from national media outlets covered the activities, providing wider public visibility.

The European Green Belt Days 2025 were supported by an extensive communication campaign, including social media content, press releases, and dedicated publications. The project received coverage from at least 11 local, regional, and national media outlets, including feature reports by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) and News247, as well as an interview broadcast on the national television channel ERT3.

The project was characterised by strong public participation, environmental awareness, and community engagement. Its activities strengthened the connection between local communities and their natural and cultural heritage while laying the foundations for long-term conservation initiatives and continued cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria.

In July 2022, Callisto launched a new 18-month project funded through the Active Citizens Fund. Entitled “20 Years of Callisto – Strategic and Organisational Development Needs”, the project aimed to:

-increase the organisation’s overall impact;

-strengthen its visibility and public outreach;

-improve its internal processes;

-enhance its long-term organisational sustainability; and

-contribute to greater civic engagement, with a particular focus on environmental issues.

The project’s main activities included the development of Callisto’s Strategic Plan 2023–2027, strengthening the organisation’s transparency, accountability, and internal management procedures, further capacity building, and the renewal of Callisto’s corporate identity to mark its twentieth anniversary.

The project “20 Years of Callisto – Strategic and Organisational Development Needs” was implemented under the Active Citizens Fund, with Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature serving as the lead beneficiary.

The Active Citizens Fund, with a total budget of €13.5 million, is financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the European Economic Area (EEA) Grants 2014–2021. The programme aims to strengthen civil society, enhance its long-term sustainability, promote democratic participation, encourage active citizenship, and safeguard human rights.

In Greece, the Bodossaki Foundation and SolidarityNow jointly manage the Active Citizens Fund.

Developing cross-border cooperation as a foundation for the effective conservation of brown bear populations and habitats in the Western Rhodope Mountains

This was a cross-border cooperation project involving Bulgarian and Greek local authorities and non-governmental organisations, aimed at conserving brown bear populations and their habitats in the Western Rhodope Mountains. The project was funded through the European Union’s PHARE Programme and was completed in December 2007.

Key achievements

The project resulted in the development of a bilateral action plan to ensure the ecological connectivity and long-term conservation of the transboundary brown bear populations shared between Greece and Bulgaria.

On 12 November 2015, Callisto officially announced the return of the grey wolf to Mount Parnitha National Park, marking the species’ first confirmed presence in the area after more than 50 years.

The presence of wolves was confirmed through field surveys and the use of infrared camera traps, which remained operational for six months following a request for technical assistance from the Parnitha Forest Service in September 2014. The camera traps were installed by Dr Georgios Iliopoulos, wildlife biologist at Callisto, and the data collected documented the presence of a wolf pack consisting of seven to eight individuals. The results were communicated to both the Parnitha Forest Service and the Management Body of Mount Parnitha National Park in September 2015, with an updated report submitted in October 2015.

The reappearance of wolves in the Parnitha area is explained exclusively as the result of natural recolonisation by dispersing individuals. This process has been underway for at least two decades, with wolves gradually re-establishing populations across parts of Central Greece where the species had previously disappeared.

Several factors have contributed to this recovery, including the natural regeneration of forests following the gradual abandonment of rural areas, improved forest management, strengthened legal protection for both wolves and bears, and the recovery of wild ungulate populations such as wild boar and roe deer throughout mainland Greece, as well as the red deer population in Mount Parnitha National Park. Together, these developments have created favourable conditions for the species’ return to areas from which it had long been absent.

A similar recovery of Europe’s large carnivores—including the brown bear, grey wolf, Eurasian lynx, and wolverine—has been documented across the continent. This trend was highlighted in a study published in the journal Science in December 2014, to which Callisto contributed by providing data on the distribution of wolves and bears in Greece. The study identified habitat restoration and the establishment of a robust European legal framework for wildlife protection as the primary drivers of this recovery. In response to these developments, the European Commission established the EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores in June 2014. Callisto was selected, together with the German consultancy adelphi, to provide technical support to the Platform.

As is the case throughout the species’ European range, the presence of wolves in Mount Parnitha National Park does not pose a threat to visitors, as wolves naturally avoid people. However, their return may lead to occasional damage to livestock. In such cases, appropriate preventive measures should be implemented to strengthen livestock protection. Effective solutions include the installation of electric fencing around livestock facilities and the use of well-trained livestock guardian dogs. For many years, Callisto has coordinated a nationwide programme facilitating the exchange and donation of livestock guardian dogs among livestock farmers.

Finally, as an apex predator, the wolf is expected to play an important ecological role within the Parnitha ecosystem, contributing to the natural regulation of the native red deer population. Nevertheless, the interaction between these two species should continue to be monitored through systematic scientific research.

The LIFE AMYBEAR project addressed the documented increase in human–bear interactions in the municipalities of Amyntaio and Florina, in northern Greece. These interactions have led to long-standing challenges, such as damage to agricultural activities—including livestock farming, beekeeping, and crop production—as well as more recently emerging issues, including the increasing presence of bears in residential areas and a rise in road traffic collisions involving bears.

At the same time, the project recognised that the presence of bears also creates important opportunities for local development. One notable example is the growth of nature-based tourism along the Aetos–Nymfaio corridor, largely driven by the presence of the Bear Protection Centre in the area. Expanding and distributing these socio-economic benefits more widely across the region was identified as one of the project’s principal objectives.

Within this context, LIFE AMYBEAR implemented a range of management actions aimed at improving coexistence between people and bears in the project area. The project sought both to reduce negative interactions to acceptable levels and to strengthen and expand the social, economic, and knowledge-based benefits associated with the long-term coexistence of bears and local communities.

The LIFE AMYBEAR project was completed in November 2021.

Further information is available on the project’s website and in its Final Summary Report.

The Municipality of Nestorio and the Municipality of Korçë, in partnership with Callisto, implemented the project “Differentiation of Tourist Product: Eco-Tourism Trails in the Cross-Border Area for the Promotion of Alternative Tourism” (ECO-TOURISM TRAILS).

The project’s objective was to develop a shared cross-border tourism product that would promote sustainable tourism and support local economic development. It was implemented under the Greece–Albania Cross-Border Programme 2007–2013 (IPA Cross-Border Programme Greece–Albania 2007–2013) and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) together with national funds from Greece and Albania. The project was completed in 2014.

As part of the project, Callisto designed, mapped, cleared, and signposted a thematic hiking trail dedicated to the brown bear, with the active participation of volunteers. The trail was created to highlight the ecological importance of the species, its habitat requirements, and the conditions necessary for the successful coexistence of people and bears within the Greece–Albania border region.

The route, named “The Bear Trail”, was fully completed and prepared for public use in 2013, providing future ecotourists with an opportunity to experience the region’s natural heritage while learning about brown bear conservation.

Further information is available on the ECO-TOURISM TRAILS project website: http://www.ecotourismtrails.eu/.

The Education and Awareness Programme in Northern Pindos National Park was implemented by Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature, with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, between September 2016 and August 2017. The programme focused on promoting the coexistence of people and their activities with wildlife, particularly with large carnivores such as the brown bear. It consisted of two main components.

The first component involved environmental education activities delivered in schools across the regional units of Ioannina and Grevena. The programme included interactive presentations, discussions, educational games, and group activities adapted to the age and learning needs of different student groups.

It also introduced an innovative field-based environmental education programme, unique in Greece at the time. During guided walks along a specially designed trail in Central Zagori, known as “The Coexistence Trail”, students searched for wildlife signs, information, and local testimonies hidden inside specially designed interpretation boxes placed along the route and within key habitats. By combining these elements, participants gradually reconstructed the complex story of coexistence between local communities and wildlife.

By deliberate choice of both Callisto and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the programme prioritised schools located in villages where human–wildlife coexistence is an everyday reality. From the very beginning, educational activities were delivered in kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools in Kalpaki, Distrato, Miliotades, Vovousa, Votonosi, Mikro Peristeri, Tsepelovo, and Deskati. Several of these remote schools had never before hosted a programme of this kind.

Overall, the programme reached 32 schools, involving 1,098 students from 127 classes, as well as 151 children from five social organisations, including Arsis, ELEPAP Ioannina, the KDAP-MEA Grevena Centre, the Dourachani Children’s Centre, and The Ark of the World (Pogoniani). In addition, 89 students participated in educational activities along the Coexistence Trail.

The second component focused on training and awareness-raising activities related to the prevention of poison bait incidents. Training seminars were organised for staff of the Management Body of Northern Pindos National Park, as well as for other stakeholder groups, including livestock farmers and hunters.

Poison baits remain one of the greatest threats to wildlife—including bears, wolves, and birds of prey—as well as to livestock guardian dogs, hunting dogs, and companion animals. As part of this initiative, participants received educational leaflets, while 150 anti-poison first aid kits were distributed throughout the project area to livestock farmers and other local stakeholders. These emergency kits were intended for use in cases where a dog had ingested poisoned bait and were accompanied by detailed instructions for their proper use.

The project COEXIST – Improving Human–Large Carnivore Coexistence and Encouraging Active Citizen Participation in Their Conservation was implemented by Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature with funding from the Green Fund.

Through the COEXIST project, Callisto strengthened its efforts to inform and raise awareness among both the general public and specific target groups about the ongoing return of large carnivores across Europe. Increasing public awareness and understanding contributes to the successful implementation of appropriate management practices by public authorities, government agencies, and environmental organisations.

The project focused primarily on Epirus and Western Macedonia, covering both the Northern Pindos National Park and areas where LIFE Nature projects were being implemented or had recently been completed. These included the LIFE AMYBEAR project in the Amyntaio–Florina area, as well as the LIFE ARCTOS KASTORIA and LIFE ARCPIN projects in the Kastoria and Grevena–Ioannina regions, respectively.

The project also included a volunteer programme, the results of which are presented in a dedicated project report. Additional activities focused on strengthening accountability and transparency, in line with Callisto’s organisational principles. These included a series of public dialogue events on Callisto’s work, held in Thessaloniki (11 October 2018 and 6 March 2019) and Athens (13 November 2018), as well as the redesign and upgrading of the organisation’s website.

As part of the Wildlife Around Us programme, a scientific study was carried out to document wildlife species inhabiting the peri-urban ecosystems of Thessaloniki, assess public attitudes and perceptions towards wildlife, and evaluate the ecological importance of these habitats.

The findings of the research were used to develop environmental education activities designed to introduce children to the natural environment surrounding the city and help them understand the close interconnection between people and nature.

This project marked the beginning of Callisto’s partnership with the A. G. Leventis Foundation, which provided financial support for all activities implemented under the Wildlife Around Us programme during its two-year duration (2018–2020).

The scientific research was conducted in the Seich Sou Forest and Mount Chortiatis, while the environmental education activities were delivered in schools throughout Thessaloniki, with particular emphasis on those located close to the study area.

In addition, selected schools had the opportunity to visit the research sites, where students were guided by Callisto staff and experienced first-hand how data are collected during wildlife field research.

The project The Road is Coexistence was implemented between June 2020 and January 2022, with a total budget of €49,891.55, funded exclusively by the Green Fund through the Innovative Actions with Citizens funding scheme.

Callisto coordinated the project in partnership with the Alterthess Journalists’ Cooperative, which produced the project’s mini-documentary, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Western Macedonia, which developed the project’s mobile application, and the Department of Fine and Applied Arts of the same university, which designed the project’s visual identity and communication materials.

The project aimed to develop four innovative actions to raise awareness among the citizens of Western Macedonia about the impacts of road infrastructure on protected wildlife species—particularly the brown bear and its habitats—while supporting the conservation actions implemented through the LIFE SAFE-CROSSING project.

To achieve these objectives, the project produced a mini-documentary, based on the scientific findings of the LIFE SAFE-CROSSING and LIFE AMYBEAR projects, highlighting the impacts of wildlife–vehicle collisions on biodiversity conservation. It also developed an innovative mobile application for smartphones and tablets, featuring interactive educational content and gamification elements designed to encourage users to explore the application’s tools and learn about wildlife conservation.

In addition, a series of participatory workshops was organised in collaboration with civil society organisations and informal citizen groups to document the views and attitudes of local communities in Western Macedonia and encourage their active participation in efforts to reduce threats to wildlife, particularly the brown bear.

The project also included fieldwork activities that supported the implementation of conservation measures developed under the LIFE SAFE-CROSSING project.

The RoadCoex application is available on Google Play and the App Store.

A mini-documentary was also produced as part of the project.

The project was funded by the Green Fund under the Innovative Actions priority of the Natural Environment & Innovative Environmental Actions 2019 funding programme.

The Municipality of Grevena, in partnership with Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature, Grevena Development Agency, and the Management Body of the Pindos–Aoos and Vikos National Parks, implemented the LIFE project “Conservation Actions for Improving Human–Bear Coexistence Conditions in Northern Pindos” (LIFE12 NAT/GR/000784).

The project was implemented between 1 October 2013 and 30 June 2017. Its area of implementation covered the entire Regional Unit of Grevena and part of the Regional Unit of Ioannina, including the Northern Pindos National Park, with particular emphasis on areas where brown bears are permanently or seasonally present.

The project’s main objectives were:

1) Reducing the illegal use of poison baits within the project area. This objective was supported through a range of actions, including the operation of two Poison Detection Dog Units, the production and distribution of anti-poison first aid kits for poisoned animals (as livestock guardian dogs are among the species most severely affected by poison baits), and the mobilisation of volunteers to support anti-poison campaigns.

2) Managing incidents involving bears entering human settlements. Measures included the operation of a multi-agency Bear Rapid Response Team, the installation of bear-proof waste containers, the use of electric fencing in conflict hotspots, the deployment of additional deterrent measures in areas with frequent human–bear interactions, and the establishment of a specialised Karelian Bear Dog Unit, trained to safely manage encounters between people and bears.

3) Promoting preventive measures to reduce bear-related damage to agricultural activities and improving the conditions for coexistence between people and wildlife. Particular emphasis was placed on the distribution of high-quality livestock guardian dogs to livestock farmers, building upon the nationwide livestock guardian dog network developed through previous LIFE projects.

4) Increasing public awareness and understanding of human–bear coexistence and the importance of wildlife conservation through targeted communication and outreach activities.

This project was implemented in collaboration with OIKOM Ltd. on behalf of the Management Body of the Acheron and Kalamas River Estuaries and Gorges and was completed in December 2015.

Within the project, Callisto was responsible for:

• Coordinating the mammal monitoring team.
• Participating in field surveys, as well as processing and evaluating the collected data.
• Assessing the conservation status of large mammals, specifically the brown bear and the grey wolf.
• Carrying out the quality control of the project’s final deliverables relating to large mammal species.

To collect the data required for the conservation status assessment of the two species, the project combined several field monitoring methods, including camera trapping, the collection of field signs and indirect evidence, wolf howling surveys, interviews with local residents, and analysis of ELGA (Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organisation) damage records.

The project produced updated species distribution maps, population estimates, and assessments of the condition of habitats within Natura 2000 sites and the surrounding landscape. These results contributed to Greece’s six-year reporting obligations to the European Commission on the conservation status of protected species and habitat types under the EU Habitats Directive.

Improving human–bear coexistence in the Regional Unit of Kastoria

The LIFE ARCTOS/KASTORIA project (LIFE09 NAT/GR/000333), officially titled Improving Conditions of Bear–Human Coexistence in Kastoria Prefecture, Greece – Transfer of Best Practices, was implemented in the Regional Unit of Kastoria between 2010 and 2015.

The project was carried out by the Regional Unit of Kastoria, in partnership with Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature and the Kastoria Development Agency (ANKAS). Its total budget amounted to €1,030,000, of which €772,500 (75%) was co-funded by the European Commission.

The project significantly improved both road safety and human–bear coexistence by reducing wildlife–vehicle collisions, promoting preventive measures against bear-related damage to agriculture, and strengthening the capacity of public authorities to manage human–bear interactions.

One of the project’s most important legacies was the establishment of Bear Emergency Response Teams, whose operation was formally institutionalised by a Ministerial Decision in February 2014. These teams continue to respond to incidents involving bears entering human settlements, with ongoing support from the Green Fund.

The knowledge and expertise transferred to public authorities, together with the continued cooperation between environmental organisations and protected area management authorities, laid the foundations for more effective wildlife conservation initiatives in Greece.

In recognition of its outstanding achievements, the European Commission awarded the project the Best of the Best LIFE Projects Award in May 2018, while Callisto received the Natura 2000 Award 2018 for its broader contribution to improving human–bear coexistence.

Key results

Improving road safety and reducing bear–vehicle collisions

The project substantially reduced wildlife–vehicle collisions involving brown bears and improved road safety through a range of infrastructure and management measures, including:

• Revision of the environmental terms and significant improvement of the technical specifications for the Koromilia–Kristallopigi section of the Egnatia Motorway.
• Installation of reinforced wildlife fencing along the Siatista–Kristallopigi motorway to minimise collisions involving bears.
• Installation of 22 wildlife warning signs and 5,600 wildlife reflectors along motorways, the old national road, and the provincial road network of Kastoria. These reflectors redirect vehicle headlights towards the roadside, helping deter wildlife from entering the carriageway.
• Radio-collaring and monitoring of nine brown bears, providing essential information for managing wildlife–vehicle collisions and incidents involving bears approaching settlements.
• Reducing human–bear conflicts

The project introduced practical measures to reduce conflicts between people and bears, including:

• Installation of 32 electric fences and 40 bear-proof waste containers in areas with frequent human–bear interactions.
• Creation of a Livestock Guardian Dog Network involving 23 livestock owners, with 28 livestock guardian dogs provided to farmers to reduce livestock losses caused by bears.
• Establishment of a Bear Emergency Response Team, which successfully managed more than 50 human–bear conflict incidents. Following the project’s success, the team’s operational protocol was officially adopted by the Greek Government through a Joint Ministerial Decision.
• Support for the implementation of Measure 216 – Action 1.1 of the Rural Development Programme (2007–2013), enabling livestock farmers and beekeepers to receive financial assistance for purchasing portable electric fencing as a preventive measure against bear damage.
• Raising awareness and public engagement

The project also delivered an extensive public awareness programme, including:

• Creation of an Eco-Volunteer Programme, involving more than 100 volunteers, who distributed educational material, organised 15 public events, informed over 500 residents and visitors, and restored abandoned orchards in the Grammos area.
• Distribution of 38,100 information leaflets, best-practice guides, and educational publications, together with 2,500 posters, promoting coexistence between people and bears and preventive measures for protecting agricultural activities.
• Organisation of more than 14 meetings and specialised training workshops for the general public and key stakeholder groups, including farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, hunting associations, and municipal staff.
• Delivery of 30 environmental education programmes, including 18 for primary schools, 9 for secondary schools, and 3 for adult audiences.

Demonstration actions for the conservation of the brown bear and the priority black pine habitat in Northern Pindos National Park

This LIFE project was implemented in the Regional Unit of Grevena in partnership with the Regional Unit of Grevena (Lead Partner), the Forest Research Institute of the National Agricultural Research Foundation (NAGREF), the Grevena Development Agency, and Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature.

The project focused on implementing best-practice conservation measures for forest ecosystems and wildlife species within the three Natura 2000 sites of the Regional Unit of Grevena: Vasilitsa, Pindos National Park, and Pindos National Park – Valia Kalda – Wider Area.

Its principal objectives were to improve coexistence between large carnivores and traditional mountain farming and livestock breeding, while strengthening the management capacity of the Northern Pindos National Park through its competent management authority.

The project ran from 1 January 2009 to 30 June 2012.

Key achievements of the project, with Callisto’s contribution

• Reducing negative attitudes towards brown bears among key stakeholder groups—including livestock farmers, agricultural producers, hunters, and other local communities—thereby decreasing the incentives for illegal persecution of the species.
• Establishing and operating a Bear Emergency Response Team, which intervened in areas experiencing human–bear conflicts, including damage to crops, beehives, and livestock, wildlife–vehicle collisions, bear mortality incidents, and repeated bear visits to settlements. During the project’s implementation, the team responded to 31 incidents.
• Developing and initiating the formal adoption of an official response protocol for managing human–bear interactions, providing the competent public authorities with a standardised operational framework for addressing conflict situations.
• Establishing a livestock guardian dog network to promote the use of effective Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) as a preventive measure against bear-related damage. The network consisted of 59 livestock farmers, including a core group of 16 active members. Through this initiative, adult dogs and puppies were exchanged among network members and provided to other livestock farmers experiencing bear-related losses. In total, 41 Livestock Guardian Dog puppies were distributed through the network and associated LIFE project networks to 41 livestock farmers within the project area.
• Designing a volunteer engagement programme alongside a dedicated environmental education programme to strengthen public participation and promote long-term support for wildlife conservation and human–bear coexistence.

Improving conservation conditions for large carnivores through the transfer of best practices

This multinational LIFE project brought together partners from Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, with Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature responsible for implementing the project’s activities in Greece.

The project focused on the transfer of knowledge and best practices for improving the conservation of large carnivores, particularly the brown bear and the grey wolf, while promoting their coexistence with people. In Greece, the project was implemented in the mountainous areas of Trikala (Thessaly) and ran from 1 January 2009 to 31 March 2013.

Key achievements of the project, with Callisto’s contribution

• Recognising that the conservation of large carnivores requires balancing the needs of wildlife with human activities, the project placed particular emphasis on stakeholder dialogue. Social research methods were used to identify key stakeholder groups and the most pressing conservation challenges in each participating country. In Greece, one of the most widespread misconceptions concerned the alleged reintroduction of wildlife by environmental organisations. To address this, eight stakeholder meetings were organised with representatives of local authorities, livestock farmers, hunters, insurance organisations, and other relevant groups, strengthening dialogue and long-term cooperation between local communities and wildlife management authorities.
• Brown bear monitoring was carried out throughout the project using a combination of field sign surveys, DNA sampling, and camera trapping. The resulting data provided updated information on the distribution and population of bears within the project area. In addition, detailed records of bear-related damage to livestock and agricultural production were collected and linked with bear distribution data to identify priority areas where preventive measures should be implemented.
• During the four-year project, ten specialised training workshops were organised for local veterinarians and technical experts on livestock damage assessment, identification of false predator attacks, evaluation of compensation claims, and the application of preventive measures against damage caused by large carnivores. One of these workshops was held in Greece within the project area.
• The project promoted the wider use of Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) as an effective preventive measure against livestock losses. In Greece, a Livestock Guardian Dog Network was established in cooperation with the LIFE PINDOS/GREVENA (LIFE07 NAT/GR/000291) project. Through this initiative, 30 livestock guardian dogs (puppies and adult dogs) were distributed to livestock farmers within the project area.
• Bear Emergency Response Teams were established in all participating countries to manage incidents involving bears and human activities. Following an initial training period, each country developed its own operational protocol for responding to conflict situations. The teams were equipped with specialised deterrent equipment, including noise cartridges, rubber bullets, capture traps, and tranquiliser guns for cases requiring the capture, sedation, and relocation of animals. In Greece, the Emergency Response Team responded to 30 incidents during the project and continued operating after the project’s completion using its own resources.
• The project also included an extensive public awareness and communication programme, producing educational leaflets and posters on brown bears, Livestock Guardian Dogs, and electric fencing, promoting practical measures for reducing conflicts between people and large carnivores.

Monitoring and assessment of the impacts of the Egnatia Motorway on large mammals and their habitats between the eastern portal of the Metsovo Tunnel and the entrance to the Panagia Tunnel (Section 3.5.1/2)

Callisto – Environmental Organisation for Wildlife and Nature acted as a technical consultant to Egnatia Odos S.A. for the implementation of this project. The 18-month project was completed in February 2009.

Key achievements for brown bear conservation

The project led to significant improvements in both the motorway design and the technical specifications of wildlife crossing structures along the study section. (It should be noted that an earlier and fundamental redesign of the motorway had already been achieved following an appeal by environmental NGOs before the Council of State, which resulted in amendments to the project’s environmental terms.)

The monitoring programme delivered the following improvements:

• Increasing the width of the only Green Bridge (wildlife overpass) on Section 4.1 Panagia–Grevena from 30 metres to 50 metres.
• Adding two additional wildlife underpasses.
• Improving the openness index (dimensions and cross-sectional area) of several box culverts to make them more suitable as wildlife underpasses.
• Replacing the original fencing with reinforced wildlife fencing built to improved technical specifications.
• Cancelling the construction of a toll station and motorway service area within the environmentally sensitive Section 4.1.
• Ensuring compliance with the Environmental Terms concerning the management of hazardous waste during the construction phase.

Callisto also coordinated the project “Monitoring and Assessment of the Impacts of the Construction and Operation of the Egnatia Motorway on Large Mammals and Their Habitats along the Panagia–Grevena Section (Section 4.1)”, which lasted two years.

Within this project, Callisto was responsible for monitoring the impacts of motorway construction on large carnivores, particularly the brown bear and the grey wolf, during the construction phase. This phase of the project was completed in March 2009.