The Wildlife Rescue Organizations Network welcomes the progress in the licensing of Rescue Centers and calls for the uninterrupted operation of the Licensing Committee.
The Wildlife Rescue Organizations Network in Greece, comprising the largest and most reputable organizations in the field of wildlife rehabilitation, met on February 8 at the Navarino Environmental Observatory (NEO) with the support of the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation.
The purpose of the meeting was to assess the progress in implementing the Joint Ministerial Decision ΥΠΕΝ/ΔΔΔ/88658/2929 regarding the licensing and operation of Wildlife Rescue Centers (KEPEAP) and First Aid Stations (SPVEAP), as well as to highlight the need for the uninterrupted operation of the responsible Licensing Committee.
The members of the Network, with many years of experience and contribution to the rehabilitation and reintegration of wildlife, welcome the progress made over the past two and a half years in the implementation of the Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD). Specifically, in addition to Alkyone and Arcturos, which already had valid licenses, three long-established organizations—ARCHELON, MOm, and ANIMA—have now been licensed. The licensing process for Action for Wildlife is also expected to be completed soon. Furthermore, ANIMA’s First Aid Station has been licensed, while pending applications include the expansion of Arcturos’ license and applications for First Aid Stations affiliated with licensed Wildlife Rescue Centers (KEPEAP).
The organizations of the Network, which have rehabilitated and reintegrated tens of thousands of wild animals, emphasize the importance of a clear and modern legal framework for regulating the wildlife rehabilitation sector. They believe that more organizations will be licensed in the future to operate in this field.
At the same time, they express their concern over attempts to undermine well-established organizations—through defamatory publications—that have contributed to wildlife conservation for decades.
The Network highlights that, in accordance with the “Cooperation Charter – Code of Ethics”, signed by its members in 2023, collaboration and mutual respect among stakeholders are essential, as well as upholding the ethics and integrity of individuals and organizations involved in wildlife rehabilitation.
The organizations of the Network explicitly state their support for those affected by false social media posts and call for the immediate removal of defamatory publications targeting organizations in the sector. They urge the Licensing Committee to continue its work with the same calmness and objectivity it has demonstrated so far.
Finally, they call on the Committee to proceed with the licensing process for all organizations that meet the legal requirements, ensuring the smooth operation of Wildlife Rescue Centers and the protection of wildlife in Greece.
Organizations:
Alkyone: https://alkioni.org/
ΑΝΙΜΑ: https://www.wild-anima.gr/
Arion: https://arion.org.gr/
Arcturos: https://www.arcturos.gr/
Archelon: https://archelon.gr/
Action for Wildlife: https://www.drasi-agriazoi.gr/
MOm: https://el.mom.gr/
Environmental Protection Society of Kastoria: https://www.facebook.com/eppkast
Naxos Wildlife Protection: https://naxoswildlifeprotection.com/
Scout Wildlife Rescue Team: https://www.ngotoulipa-goulimyi.eu/
Scout Wildlife Rescue Team: https://www.wildliferescuescout.gr/
