The devastating wildfires of 2021 affected many areas of the country, including the northern part of Evia. The final toll reached 508,000 acres of burnt land, of which 275,000 acres were forest and 34,000 acres were olive trees, with the rest mainly being agricultural land and scrubland areas. It was estimated that the fire destroyed one-third of Evia’s forests.

Thanks to our team’s quick reflexes and our supporters’ trust, Desmos’ presence in the affected area of Northern Evia has been continuous from the onset of the fire until today.

Our response began with collecting information in the early hours and days of the fire, to provide immediate relief and to provide updates on evolving needs after the fire was extinguished. Then, we found ourselves at the heart of the disaster, aiming to map out the area and its unique characteristics, and most importantly, to assess the population´s needs. Along this journey, we engaged with the local and educational community, various associations, and local authorities. We cultivated relationships of trust and collaborated with agencies and organizations active in the area. This enabled us to proceed with projects and interventions that would have a positive impact on the local community.

In the first days, we coordinated in-kind donations such as: power banks, refrigerators, personal hygiene items, volunteer transportation, cooked meals, mobility aids for the elderly, food, cleaning supplies and medical supplies.

During the period that followed immediately afterward, we proceeded to address needs such as school supplies, boots and uniforms for lumberjack associations, professional cleaning equipment, tablets to facilitate online applications for fire victims’ benefits, heating units, household appliances and furniture, as well as to support schools with technical equipment.

Within one year, we implemented a plethora of projects, such as distributing olive oil to families in 8 villages struck by fire, reconstructing a 5×5 soccer field in the community of Limni, and renovating the courtyard space at the Rovies Elementary School by constructing basketball and volleyball courts.

Additionally, we delivered technological, educational, and sports equipment to 11 schools, as well as technical, medical, and hospitality equipment to the 2 Health Centers of the Municipality of Mandoudi and Istiaia, and their respective Regional Clinics. Furthermore, Volunteer Forest Firefighting Teams in Prokopi and Limni were reinforced, including the provision of a 4×4 forest firefighting vehicle.

n 2023, we continued our efforts by supporting 7 Volunteer Forest Firefighting Teams with equipment and personal protective gear throughout Evia. Additionally, we undertook the reconstruction of the former kindergarten in the Community of Papades, which now operates as a Creativity Day Center for both children and adults.

Our most recent project involves supporting the enhancement of the forest nursery in Kehries, Northern Evia, with its main scope to preserve and protect the endemic plants of the island affected by the 2021 wildfire.  Through the method of seed collection from the forests that have been preserved in the area, we aim to cultivate 10.000 rare endemic plants annually.

Desmos supports the employment of a part-time position for the operation of the nursery (December 2023-2025) in collaboration with the Forestry of Limni, the Agricultural University of Athens, WWF Hellas, and the Association of Forest Protection & Rescue Volunteers.

Desmos’ presence in Northern Evia today…

Remaining faithful to our commitment to stay in the areas and sustain our efforts even after public attention fades, we have diligently utilized the donations entrusted to us. Having successfully concluded our second year of operation in Northern Evia, we continue to be present and active in the area.

Throughout this period, our endeavors have been focused on ensuring that each donation contributes to the restoration and relief of the communities in the area, bringing hope for the future of this troubled area.