DISCLAIMER:  “Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.”

Forest Fire Prevention

VI Liceum Ogólnokształcąceim. Hugona Kołłątaja (Poland,  Lublin)

ENSINUS -Estudos Técnicos e Profissionais SA (Portugal, Lisbon)

Instituto de Educación Secundaria Carmen de Burgos (Spain, Andalucía, Almería)

3rd General Lyceum of Kavala (Greece, Kavala)

Considering that environment and climate action are key priorities for the EU and that the “European Green Deal Communication” highlights the role of schools, training institutions and universities in the eco-transition to be completed by 2050, being inspired by the sustainable goals of Agenda 2030 (in particular 13 and 15), 

based on the protection of our planet’s natural resources and climate for future generations, and the importance of forests for human existence, stated by the SOFO report 2018, issued by the United Nations .

Forests are the “lungs” of our planet and host more than 75% of the biodiversity on the Earth (according to 2018 FAO report), their value for human beings is priceless. Millions of people, animals and plants are in danger, depending on the future of forested areas.

That’s why all the countries in this partnership, living every year the dramatic experience of forest fires inside their own territories, want to carry out this project at a transnational way in order to compare ideas, studies, proposals and solutions from each partner school and prepare all together prevention campaigns for protecting our natural environments.

In our school we try to achieve sensitivity towards the protection of the environment through collaborative programs in order to raise awareness among our students regarding vulnerable ecosystems and accountability for the consequences of human intervention. 

In March 2022, we had the honor and pleasure to welcome 12 students & 4 teachers from schools in France & Slovenia, namely members of delegations from the Lycée Privé Ozanam operating in the city of Lille in France & the Šolski Center Postojna from the city Postojna in Slovenia. 

 The mobility was carried out in the framework of the Erasmus+ KA1 collaborative project under the title "Protection of Vulnerable Ecosystems". 

The students of the hosting and the visiting schools  formed a multicultural & multi-collective group where human contact, acceptance & empathy prevailed as the common denominator of all actions.

This versatile & participatory group worked brilliantly at all levels & across a wide range of collaborative activities. The students had the opportunity to work together harmoniously, to learn experientially through activities relating directly to the protection of nature and develop sensitivity towards the creation of a sustainable future for all.

Our contribution to the common goal

In the framework of the international cooperative project, our school hosted the final meeting of the project, that is the Transnational (Multiplier) Meeting which was held in Kavala, Greece, from May 13th to May 15th, 2024. 

 Representatives from partner schools from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Poland convened to share their experiences and disseminate the project's results. 

The meeting provided a platform for exchanging best practices in forest fire prevention, focusing on innovative methods and technologies. Attendees engaged in workshops and presentations, highlighting the effectiveness of various AI applications in educational practice.

 Moreover, the discussions led to the formulation of strategic plans for future collaboration, ensuring sustained efforts and improvements in forest fire prevention. The event fostered stronger international partnerships and underscored the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.

Meetings & Learning Activities

 in the framework of the Project

Sixteen students of our school participated in the 4 Learning Activities of the project to Antalya (Turkey), Almeria (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal) and Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto (Sicily, Italy).  

All activities our students took part in realized the fundamental objectives of our project:

Memories created with friends

Authentic material creation

Our srudents got actively involved in the creation of authentic material regarding the protection of the environment and forest in particular.They created innovative presentations about deforestation, forest management policies, climate change and forest fires prevention, with the use of various ICT apps.

Weebly site hosted the project’s website, which served as a central hub for information. It included project updates, resources, events, mobilities' content and educational materials accessible to all participants and the wider public. It was created by a 3rd Senior High School teacher .

https://mrdim.weebly.com/

Genially

view.genially.com/651448230607270011077e84/presentation-diagonal-project-presentation

PREZI

https://prezi.com/p/2uh315joaxwj/our-country-town-school/?lid=x1kxl8roj2s0&utm_source=braze&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Tokenization+Variant&utm_campaign=Next_Share_A_Prezi_v2&UID=326794211

CapCut, Clipchamp and Kapwing were utilized for video editing. These tools helped create educational videos and promotional materials showcasing project activities, interviews with experts, and demonstrations of fire prevention techniques.

Created Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVnPpksDsRw
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmSrI9ZbQ-g
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRq-TpDB9lM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Lnpr-jpGc&t=4s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIIO-fraig0&t=4s

Canva was used to design graphics, posters, and social media content. Its user-friendly interface allowed participants to create professional-looking visuals to raise awareness about forest fire prevention and promote project events.

www.canva.com/design/DAGDGMnOMgk/0cdJMkMtSdNr9Jjymsex0A/edit?utm_content=DAGDGMnOMgk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

www.canva.com/design/DAGC47el7nQ/6JXA-vCZT3c18HQx8UsdXg/edit?

utm_content=DAGC47el7nQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

www.canva.com/design/DAGEzmVREE8/sX_KgF8SbYiF-crofbACtQ/edit

utm_content=DAGEzmVREE8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

www.canva.com/design/DAGHpnV_Jqg/ql5G8gJ4mCHQ_9qRV0nKJQ/edit?utm_content=DAGHpnV_Jqg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

www.canva.com/design/DAGDGMnOMgk/0cdJMkMtSdNr9Jjymsex0A/edit?utm_content=DAGDGMnOMgk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

www.canva.com/design/DAGC47el7nQ/6JXA-vCZT3c18HQx8UsdXg/edit?

utm_content=DAGC47el7nQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

www.canva.com/design/DAGEfuPWKG8/-UhaNDmGPzDIz0Da2svRqQ/edit?utm_content=DAGEfuPWKG8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

www.canva.com/design/DAGFLkk0IhM/5n_LxRozjDD5CzJU2iKEMg/edit?utm_content=DAGFLkk0IhM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

www.canva.com/design/DAGEuQrvxPQ/aAff5Iw5KLogNySrFMAICQ/view?utm_content=DAGEuQrvxPQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

www.canva.com/design/DAFhgf72hL8/u-ZppDI86I-7cNo_rBVk1A/edit?utm_content=DAFhgf72hL8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Kahoot and Quizizz were interactive quiz platforms used to engage participants in learning activities. These tools made training sessions more interactive and fun, helping to reinforce knowledge through gamified quizzes.

quizizz.com/admin/quiz/6237ba4aebd502001f0d6155?source=quiz_share

quizizz.com/admin/quiz/61f8b3115d247b001ec060da?source=quiz_share

create.kahoot.it/share/together-can-make-the-difference-in-forest-protection/78341ede-8253-40dd-aa53-7f3c7fbd3aeb

Storyjumper

Erasmus+ KA220 Forest Fire Prevention in the 3rd Senior High School of kavala, Greece 

www.storyjumper.com/book/read/174375931/66a7e6bdb65ca

ChatGPT & Gemini provided assistance in generating content, answering questions, and offering suggestions for project-related writing tasks. It was particularly useful for drafting emails, reports, and educational materials.

Collaborative digital Calendar

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGHpnV_Jqg/ql5G8gJ4mCHQ_9qRV0nKJQ/edit

Articles 

on topics relating to 

forest protection strategies

The Burning Issue:  

How Climate Change Fuels

 Greece's Wildfire Woes 

(by Athina Axypolytou, 

3rd Senior High School of Kavala, Greece)  

The idyllic landscapes of Greece, known for their sun-drenched beaches and verdant forests, face a growing threat: climate change-fueled wildfires. Rising temperatures, declining precipitation, and extended fire seasons are creating a perfect storm, transforming once manageable blazes into raging infernos. 

This article delves into the concerning link between climate change and wildfires in Greece, highlighting the devastating consequences and urging a call to action. 

(Retrieved fromhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66295972

In our attempt to evaluate the current situation, we need to take into account data which, unfortunately, do not seem very hopeful regarding the future of forestry and ecosystems. First of all, the thermometer seems to be on fire. Greece's average temperature has climbed by 1.5°C since the 1950s, seemingly small yet significant. 

These hotter summers translate to drier vegetation, readily available fuel for fires. Moreover, it has become quite obvious during the last 40 years that the rain gauge is running dry. Rainfall in Greece has decreased by 20% over the past four decades, leading to persistent drought. This creates parched ecosystems, vulnerable to even the smallest spark.

 And last but not least, the fire season in Greece has stretched by 50% compared to the 1990s, exposing forests to potential blazes for a longer period. 

https://7enews.net/en/news-en/world-news-en/greece-is-at-war-against-forest-fires/

All these have led to tragic consequences of the flames: 

· Human Toll: The 2021 Evia fires claimed 100 lives, leaving countless devastated families. These tragedies underscore the human cost of climate change's fiery wrath. 

· Ecological Scarring: Wildfires wreak havoc on ecosystems, displacing wildlife and destroying habitats. 

The 2023 Rhodes fires scorched 120,000 hectares, impacting diverse landscapes. 

-Economic Ashes: Tourism, a vital part of the Greek economy, suffers due to fire damage and air pollution. The 2018 Attica fires resulted in €4 billion in losses. 

Nevertheless, there is always a spark of hope. While the situation poses a significant challenge, hope remains. We can all engage in actions to protect our forestry. More specifically, we can act as climate action champions, urge governments and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change head-on.

Furthermore, we can become fire prevention protectors by supporting initiatives for clearing debris, promoting responsible land management, and investing in early warning systems. And we need to always bear in mind that knowledge and awareness is power indeed. 

We can educate ourselves and others about the link between climate change and wildfires, fostering individual responsibility because only by working together, we can collectively extinguish this fiery threat and safeguard the future of Greece's precious forests. 

REFERENCES

World Wildlife Fund Greece: 

https://www.wwf.gr/en/?uNewsID=11459841 

Effects of Climate Change on Greek Forests: 

https://medforest.net/2023/07/25/effects-of-climate-change-on-greek-forests-a-review/

Safeguarding Greece's Green Lungs: 

The Crucial Role of Forest Protection 

(By Markella Tsalma, 

3rd Senior High School of Kavala, Greece) 

Forests, more than just picturesque landscapes, are the lifeblood of Greece. They regulate water flow, prevent soil erosion, harbor rich biodiversity, and contribute significantly to the national economy. 

Retrieved from: https://medforest.net/2023/12/05/a-forest-policy-brief-for-greece

However, these vital ecosystems face numerous threats, jeopardizing their health and the well-being they provide. This article delves into the importance of protecting Greece's forest ecosystems, highlighting the consequences of their loss and exploring strategies for their preservation. 

There is an impressive tapestry of benefits involved in relation to the importance of forest ecosystems. First and foremost, they are environmental guardians meaning that forests act as natural sponges, absorbing and filtering rainwater, preventing floods and maintaining healthy water tables. 

 They also prevent soil erosion, mitigating landslides and safeguarding fertile land. Furthermore, they are biodiversity havens. Greece's forests teem with life, providing diverse hhttps://forestlife.gr/en/abitats for countless species of plants and animals. 

Retrieved from: https://forestlife.gr/en/

Protecting these ecosystems is crucial for conserving this invaluable biodiversity. We, also, need to bear in mind that forest ecosystems are fundamentally economic powerhouses. Forests contribute significantly to the Greek economy, supporting industries like timber, tourism, and non-timber forest products like honey and medicinal herbs

 Sustainable forest management ensures long-term economic benefits. Finally, we should not miss to point out that forests offer recreational opportunities, promoting physical activity and mental well-being. Studies show spending time in nature reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts cognitive function. 

Yet, it seems that threats loom large. Forest fires run wild destroying thousands of forestry year after year. Climate change intensifies the risk of wildfires, threatening vast areas of forest. 

https://www.dw.com/en/greece-wildfiresthousands-flee-island-of-evia-as-blazes-continue-to-ravage-lands/a-58794368

The 2021 Evia fires and the 2023 Rhodes fires serve as stark reminders of the devastating consequences. Illegal logging manifested through unsustainable logging practices can deplete forests, disrupting ecological balance and causing soil erosion. 

Protecting forests requires combating illegal logging and promoting responsible management. Furthermore, urbanization and infrastructure development can encroach upon forest ecosystems, fragmenting habitats and reducing biodiversity. 

Sustainable development that prioritizes forest conservation is crucial. Moreover, overgrazing practices can damage forest undergrowth, hindering regeneration and increasing soil erosion. Effective land management practices are essential to protect forests. 

Yet, protecting our green future is feasible but need brave decisions and substantial actions. Sustainable forest management through implementing practices that balance ecological, economic, and social needs is key to healthy forests. 

This includes selective logging, reforestation efforts, and controlled burning techniques. Raising public awareness about the importance of forests and the threats they face is crucial for fostering community engagement and support for protection efforts.

Educational programs and outreach campaigns can play a vital role. Another key factor in protecting forest ecosystems lies in strong policies and legislation that regulate logging, development, and fire management are essential for effective forest protection. 

Supporting and advocating for such policies is crucial. Personal stance is also very important. Individual action 

through reducing our carbon footprint, choosing sustainable products, and volunteering for conservation efforts can make a difference. Every individual can contribute to safeguarding Greece's forest ecosystems. 

Protecting Greece's forest ecosystems is not just an environmental imperative, but an investment in the well-being of future generations. By understanding the threats and embracing sustainable practices, we can ensure that these green havens continue to thrive, offering their invaluable benefits for years to come. 

References

Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCGsP4ZEgRo · 

WWF Greece: https://www.wwf.gr/en/our_work/nature/terrestrial/ · 

Greenpeace Greece: https://www.greenpeace.org/greece/issues/klima/48966/akraies-dasikes-pyrkagies-ellada/ 

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): https://www.fao.org/forestry/communication-toolkit/80616/en/ 

Understanding the Nexus: 

Climate Change and Its Impact on Forest Fires 

(by Sofia Kryona & Rafaela Tapkou, 

3rd Senior High School of Kavala, Greece) 

As the world grapples with the ever-pressing issue of climate change, one of the most tangible and devastating consequences unfolds before our eyes: the escalating frequency and intensity of forest fires. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change

 As a Grade 12 student deeply involved in environmental awareness, it is imperative to shed light on this critical issue and explore the intricate relationship between climate change and forest fires. 

The Growing Crisis 

In recent years, we have witnessed a staggering surge in the occurrence of forest fires across the globe. From the Amazon rainforest to the vast boreal forests of Siberia, no corner of our planet seems immune to the ravages of these infernos. 

According to a recent article published in The Guardian, the number of large, intense wildfires has more than doubled since the 1980s, with climate change playing a central role in this alarming trend. 

The Climate Connection 

Climate change acts as a potent catalyst, exacerbating the conditions conducive to the ignition and spread of wildfires. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and erratic weather patterns create tinderbox environments ripe for conflagration. 

A study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the intricate interplay between climate change and wildfires, emphasizing how warmer temperatures lead to drier vegetation, escalating the risk of ignition and the rapid spread of fires. 

Unprecedented Impacts 

The consequences of these intensified wildfires are manifold and far-reaching. Beyond the immediate loss of precious forest ecosystems and biodiversity, wildfires emit vast quantities of greenhouse gases, further fueling the cycle of climate change. 

 Moreover, these infernos pose a grave threat to human health, exacerbating respiratory ailments and polluting air and water sources.

The Call to Action 

In light of these dire realities, it is incumbent upon us to take decisive action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and prevent catastrophic wildfires. 

 The Paris Agreement serves as a crucial framework for global cooperation in combating climate change, underscoring the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering resilience to its inevitable impacts.

Local Solutions, Global Impact 

While the battle against climate change may seem daunting, there is hope in the power of collective action and individual choices.