VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES

The Management Body of Aenos National Park, within the framework of the voluntary actions it develops, participates in the European Voluntary Service (EVS) Program, since 25.02.2012 it has received the relevant certification from the European Union and  operated in the years 2013 and 2014 as a Volunteer Reception Agency and as a Coordinating Body of the program. The Management Body of Aenos National Park is one of the 76 certified EVS bodies in Greece and the first Protected Areas Management Body to have participated in it. The application for the program can be found on the Body’s website.

EVS is an action of the European Union’s “Youth in Action” programme that aims to support the participation of young people in various forms of voluntary actions, both within and outside the European Union. It enables young people aged 18-30 to volunteer for a period of up to 12 months, in a different country from their country of residence, with the aim of developing solidarity and promoting active citizenship and mutual understanding among young people. The program also provides for the financial support of volunteers without any substantial burden on the Management Body.

The participation of the Management Body in EVS as a Coordinating Body expands its actions and contributes to the achievement of its management objectives. Its certification as a Host Institution is very important in the context of its voluntary actions, as it gives the opportunity for the organized participation of young people from abroad, in order for them to get to know the National Park of Enos and to contribute to the protection and conservation of its biodiversity, by participating in actions of the Organization, according to a specific programming submitted with the application form. It is estimated that through the rich experience they will gain, EVS volunteers, among others, will operate in their countries and as promoters and advertising bodies of the Aenos National Park.