The Hellenic Initiative has planted more than 25,000 trees in Greece since 2022

Nature’s recovery from devastating fires in Greece was given a helping hand – indeed hundreds of helping hands – on April 14 at the village of Dioni, northeast of Athens, during the latest tree planting of The Hellenic Initiative (THI) in collaboration with Greek NGO We4all.

 

Since 2022, more than 25,000 trees have been planted in Greece through THI’s “Plant a Tree in Greece” program, made possible by the contributions of Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes worldwide.

 

Hundreds of volunteers of all ages - including families, grandparents, and even toddlers as young as two - gathered to help restore the landscape and symbolically invest in Greece’s future. Volunteers arrived at site, carefully prepared, with planting areas marked, tools in place, and saplings ready, including native species such as the fire-resilient cypress and carob trees.

 

THI’s Country Head for Greece Michael Printzos (pictured), thanked the participants and highlighted the symbolic power of the event. “When people ask how to bring the Diaspora closer to Greece, I answer this is how. Diaspora Greeks may live far away, but they care deeply and act meaningfully”. He also noted that another 5,000 trees are scheduled to be planted this year alone.

 

THI is a global non-profit organization that brings together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to invest in Greece through programs focused on economic development and crisis relief. Since its founding in 2012, THI has raised more than $37 million and has grown to be the largest Greek Diaspora organization in the world.

 

We4all co-founders John Iliopoulos, who is also CEO, and Antonis Bogdanos welcomed the volunteers and residents, saying, “We are here for you and your home.”

 

George P. Stamas, THI’s Board President, stated: “The fires that ravage Greece every summer are heartbreaking, but events like this month’s tree planting are heartwarming. THI is proud to support these meaningful actions.”

 

Andrew N. Liveris, THI’s Board Chairman, stated: “Reforestation is not just a response to past disasters- it’s an investment in Greece’s environmental resilience and future sustainability. THI is committed to such efforts that protect Greece’s forests, its communities and future generations”