March 1, 2026
Press Release
“Little Guardians of the Forest” at the SPAY Garden – Environmental Educational Activity within the European GreCO Project
A special educational activity took place on Monday, 2 March 2026, at the garden of the offices of the SPAY (Hymettus Protection and Development Association), with the participation of κindergartens pupils.
Through storytelling, dialogue and hands-on participation, the children:
Became familiar with seven characteristic plants of Mount Hymettus: pine, oak, carob tree, rosemary, olive tree, laurel and oregano, through short stories and observation.
Engaged with the natural cycle and the concept of composting. Through a simple simulation of the decomposition process, they understood that in nature nothing is wasted — everything returns to the earth and is transformed into “forest humus,” the natural nourishment of the soil.
Sang the “Spring Carols,” symbolically announcing the arrival of the spring season in their own unique, childlike way.
Participated in the movement-based game “Hug – Stop,” learning in an interactive and enjoyable way what helps and what harms the forest.
At the end of the activity, all children received a commemorative award and were symbolically named “Guardians of the Forest,” taking with them knowledge, experiences and key messages about volunteerism and personal responsibility for protecting the natural environment.
This “green” educational activity is implemented within the framework of the European project GreCO (Green Cultural Oases), and specifically under Work Package 4 “Forests as Living Heritage,” aiming to introduce children to the forest of Hymettus as a natural ecosystem and a living part of our cultural heritage.
These initiatives are implemented in the context of engaging and raising awareness within the local community to foster a more sustainable urban environment.
The GreCO project is implemented by a cross-sectoral consortium following the Quadruple Helix model, bringing together public authorities, academic institutions, businesses and civil society organisations. The partnership includes the Municipality of Elliniko–Argyroupoli, the University of Piraeus, the National Technical University of Athens, the National Observatory of Athens, Elliniko Anelixis, Zelus and SPAY, which plays an active role in citizen engagement and the environmental dimension of the project.
Starting with the youngest members of the community, a series of environmental educational activities will follow within the framework of the GreCO project.
