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Marianne and Jenise

 

May 26, 2016

In this week's podcast, ecological consultant Ted Karfakis discusses what he is doing on the Greek island of Kalamos to fight industrial aquaculture and create more sustainable systems there.

Currently, Greece is one of the most important places to be in Europe with respect to biological and environmental conservation as decreasing economic prosperity has led to significant environmental challenges and conflicts on both land and sea.

On the Island of Kalamos  a place with several ecosystems (and in the heart of the Natura 2000 GR 2220003 conservation area), there is an ecosystem of significant biodiversity conservation value. Kalamos is one of the most important areas for the birds of Greece according to Birdlife International with several endangered species.

The relatively small human population combined with large uninhabited areas of  wild and agricultural land have produced a range of habitats including a unique forest with important dead wood habitats .

Through Terra Sylvestris, a Greek not for profit non governmental organization, Ted is working to build eco-tourism, organic agriculture and conservation initiatives on the island.

From the Terra Sylvestris website: We work by producing both actual conservation work and conducting scientific research. We do our own projects but accept to work on others also or on collaborations in joint projects under certain conditions. We aim to work worldwide but we believe our main focus should be right here next to home.

To achieve our work we use our own work and resources and that of volunteers from all over the world. We also work on ecological consultancy and other projects related to scientific research in the field of ecology and sustainable development and accept contracts  for projects in ecosystem management and Biodiversity conservation as part of our fundraising efforts along with donations and contributions from private persons and organizations.

We also work towards environmental education for all ages with the goal of helping people appreciate the value of environmental conservation and hopefully convincing them to become part of it.

Finally we do ecotours with the aim of generating income for conducting our biodiversity conservation activities

During our discussion, Ted talks about industrial aquaculture (the farming of aquatic organisms) and its inherent dangers. He also explains the concept of rewilding.

Finally, I asked Ted to provide tips for those who are interested in protecting natural environments and creating sustainable systems in their own communities.

You can learn more about Ted and his work at the Terra Sylvestris website.