This summer ended in a very special way, as the 6^th gathering of volunteers and friends of WWF Greece and the Society for the Protection of the Biodiversity of Thrace took place in Dadia from August 28 to 31!

This year's meeting brought together people who have dedicated their lives to environmental protection, nature, and the local community, creating a strong bond that transcends time and distance.

On the first day, we toured the historic Didymoteicho, where we were welcomed by the Kastropolites a cultural association with deep knowledge of the area, who guided us through the imposing castle and the surrounding neighborhoods, bringing to light the history and tradition of the place. Then we enjoyed traditional Greek dishes and ended up taking a refreshing dip at the beach in Alexandroupolis.

We spent the next morning in Dadia, as many of the volunteers wanted to meet old acquaintances or walk the forest trails and “conquer” the peak of Gibrena once again. In the afternoon, we visited the Gnafala Silk Museumwhere we had the opportunity to learn about the region's important tradition of silk production and participate in a unique Silk Cocoon Workshop. There, we made jewelry from cocoons, discovering an art that has been developed over many years in Soufli. This experience brought us closer to the local culture, combining nature and art with the history of the region. The day could only end with delicious appetizers, wine, and tsipouro, which are also traditional in Soufli!

The next day we arrived in Xanthi and the Pomak villages. First, we were guided around the Pleteno Social Cooperative Enterprise, where we saw the handmade creations of the women of the Pomak villages. Then we visited the picturesque village of Kottani, where we had the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the place, with its stone houses, characteristic tavern, and wonderful landscape, which gave us a sense of warmth and tradition.

The reunion culminated with a tour of Dadia, the point of reference for all of us, where we gathered to reminisce about our shared experiences. Outside the village of Lyra, we were lucky enough to spot many birds of prey, cinereous vultures, and black storks, which welcomed us by flying overhead. From Kapsalo, we saw the destruction left behind by the fire of 2023, but also nature's resilience and regeneration, giving us hope for the future. The tour of Dadia National Park and our contact with the local community reminded us of the power of nature and the importance of cooperation in protecting biodiversity. For many of us, Dadia remains a place where the memories and friendships formed during the volunteer project continue to be alive and deeply rooted in our hearts.

The European Solidarity Corps offered commemorative gifts to participants as a token of appreciation for their contribution to nature conservation and the local community. We warmly thank you for your continued support and cooperation!