ARCTUROS

ARCTUROS is an environmental not-for-profit civil organization based in Florina prefecture which aims at the protection and the management of the natural environment and the wildlife. Founded in 1992, the society focuses on conservation such as Brown bear (Ursus arctos) and Wolf (Canis lupus), as well as the conservation and management of mountainous ecosystems in Greece and Balkans. Since its establishment in 1992, the organization has carried out many large scale projects for the protection of large carnivores and their habitats in Greece while it has been working towards the reduction of human-wildlife conflict. After 25 years of Activities, ARCTUROS has contributed to crucial achievements for the natural environment in Greece and the Balkans. From its headquarters at the International Environmental Centre with the modern exhibition and educational facilities the organization raises public awareness in environmental issues and promotes the sustainable development of rural communities and their surrounding environment. With the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, ARCTUROS implemented (2016-2018) an innovative project by creating the most comprehensive center for protection, care, rehabilitation and hospitality of ex-captive wild carnivores in the Balkans. The International Center will also be a contemporary Center of Environmental Education and Public Awareness. The ARCTUROS International Environmental Centre includes: - Bear Sanctuary - Brown bear information Centre - Wolf Sanctuary and Wolf Information Centre - Veterinary Station for large carnivores - Greek Sheepdog breeding and distributing center - Traditional guest house for volunteer use - ARCTURAKIA, pedagogical workshop for children 4-12 years old The origin of the ARCTUROS Environmental Center is traced back in 1993 when the Bear Protection Centre was established to stop the illegal captivity of Brown bears and put an end to the tradition of the “dancing bear”. The Bear Sanctuary now shelters 13 bears, confiscated from civilians and zoos, or were found in the forests as orphan cubs. Similarly, the Wolf Sanctuary was established to provide refuge to wolves that were confiscated by civilians, who kept them illegally as pets and occasionally cross-bred them with dogs (Canis Familiaris). Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding and Redistribution Center breeds and distributes free of charge puppies to livestock farmers in the area with human-bear/wolf conflicts. ARCTUROS promotes the use of livestock guarding dogs as a human-wildlife conflict mitigation measure. Since 1998 when the program was launched as a prevention scheme of the carnivore damage, ARCTUROS had distributed more than 1000 dogs to shepherd that had a conflict with wildlife. ARCTUROS employ about 9 permanent skilled scientists (biologists, teachers, graduated administrators, guides and caregivers) and on a seasonal basis, employ 12 more scientists and technicians, biologists, environmentalist, teachers, administrator, as well as guides tour in part-time base. Every year, more than 350 volunteers and interns from Greece and Europe participated in ARCTUROS volunteering project enhancing ARCTUROS actions. ARCTUROS hosts and accommodates volunteers throughout the year either at ARCTUROS International environmental Centre (thus ARCTUROS provides free accommodation in traditional guesthouse at Aetos Village in Florina) or all over Greece. The volunteers/interns may be part of: - Fieldwork, public awareness and conservation activities. - Educational programs at schools all over Greece and also at Arcturakia section, a pedagogical workshop for children 4-12 years old, located at the International Environmental Centre (Nymfeo, Nikeios School). - Scientific team: interns monitor the bears and wolves that are accommodated at bear and Wolves sanctuaries and they evaluate their behavior. - Operation team of Environmental center providing visitor service, animal care (bear, wolves, and Greek Shepherded dogs), manual work,