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2026 - Citizen Science promotion events in Athens and Thessaloniki!
The City Nature Challenge 2026, done between the 24th and 27th of April wrapped up with great four day results, showing once again that when concerned people come together, our understanding of nature grows stronger as does our positive impact towards nature conservation!
The City Nature Challenge 2026 in Greece was organized this year by iSea and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), in collaboration with several local stakeholders and organizations, this included Antonis Tritsis Park, the Center for Environmental Education at Antonis Tritsis Park, Agios Nickolaos Group, Fotoessa, the Movement for the Protection & Promotion of the Great River of Rafina, and the Citizens’ Network for the Rescue of the Pikrodafni Stream, with good results in both Attica and Thessaloniki:
In Attica (the surrounding area of Athens and Athens itself):
1,794 observations
650 species
117 observers
In Thessaloniki:
915 observations
385 species
46 observers
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| This is our HCMR promotional picture showing the holy rock of Athens and the sacred wetland of Artemis at Artemida. |
I really hope that these events keep growing, especially this one, which actually gives clear focus on the steps required to become a naturalist!
Part of the reason we are doing this is to bring resident's voice into the politics of protecting important places for nature in and around the city. WE NEED natue closeby, nearby, beside us, beside our families. We must internalize our interest in the natural world, in order to save nature, save our minds, save our civilization. Its big stuff we are participating in. Its the big picture, beside's the science.
The iNaturalist App really helps. I thank the 117 observers in Attika who cooperated. I think this is a large number, but it also a very small number!!! Whatever the case we need to race to make this bigger next year!
Some snapshots from our event at Artemis Lagoon, in East Attika!
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| Thanks to the Agios Nickolaos Group at Artemis Lagoon we had a blast! About 45 people participated. |
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| Artemis Lagoon: One of the most outstandingly beautiful urban landscapes in Attika - still not protected or restored! |
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| Looking at tiny grey mullets and crustaceans (gamarids) in the outflow of the Artemis Lagoon. |
Some graphics from iNaturalist follow....
Round up of statistics for the Athens Metropolitan Area (Attika Prefecture)
First Observation For the Athens Metropolitan Area
Rare species
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We all thank iNaturalist and iSea for the support and the volunteers -on the ground- who made this possible.
