California Conservation Corps to Share ‘Green’ Knowhow on Mount Olympus

Participants of the program during their stay in Greece. Photos source: California Conservation Corps

The American Embassy in Athens has partnered with NGO Ecogenia for the “From California to Mount Olympus” initiative, a new joint program that aims to motivate young people to be eco-friendly and learn how to protect nature.

The program, open to young adults between the ages of 18 and 30, involves a two-month training experience for young volunteers from the California Conservation Corps, one of the largest and oldest organized environmental entities worldwide.

During their stay on Greece’s tallest mountain, the mythical Olympus, participants in the program will share knowledge about their preparedness to face natural phenomena.

Among other training tasks, they will learn how to create fire zones, clear away fire-prone biomass, and train local communities on similar preventive measures around Olympus National Park.

Photo source: Ecogenia

The program includes preparing practical guidelines for municipalities and regional authorities to apply the “Social Service” model. It involves establishing local work teams or corps to prevent natural disasters and provide assistance if they occur.

The program will culminate in a Green Jobs Fair in cooperation with Deree, the American College in Greece, where representatives of private companies active in sustainable industries will meet talented young adults.

Erika Spagakou, cofounder of Ecogenia, stated that following last summer’s natural disasters in Greece, cooperation with the US Embassy in Athens will enhance the NGO’s strategic planning. This aims to assist local communities and continue involving younger generations in environmental protection activities.