History

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History of establishment of Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY by its Greek initials) in the words of its founding team1

P.Α. Gerakis“The Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre came into being as the maturing of an idea-an idea born from fieldwork, in the laboratory, in the classroom, in ministerial offices, in the offices of journalists, environmental agencies and the EU.”

P.Α. Gerakis

Aggelos and Niki Goulandris“In 1991, the Goulandris Natural History Museum decided, at the recommendation of the European Commission and the Hellenic Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, to create in Greece a special body to promote the conservation and sustainable management of renewable natural resources. The Museum can look back with pride at the foundation of the Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (or EKBY by its Greek initials). Through its network of selected associates, EKBY has become a bright example of excellent organisation, responsibility and significant results.”

Niki Goulandris

Spyros Dafis“Like any living and growing organisation, as it matures, EKBY has acquired greater self-confidence, knowledge and experience, without ceasing to strive for change and improvement. Faithful to its guiding principles, it seeks to adapt to new challenges and constantly changing social conditions, confident that it will continue in the future to offer its services with the same consistency and reliability, working to the same high standards, continuing to assist in the conservation and sustainable management of the natural environment.”

Spyros Dafis

Now…

Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY)The Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY) operates as a branch of the Goulandris Natural History Museum (www.gnhm.gr). Since its establishment, EKBY has linked its name with wetlands, the inventory and monitoring of biodiversity, the NATURA 2000 Network, the Water Directive, as well as with forests as ecosystems. Its contribution has been recognized by the European Union (eg Best LIFE and Natura 2000 awards). EKBY is based at Thermi, close to the city of Thessaloniki.

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1EKBY Linking Μan and Νature. 2008. EKBY.

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