The HOS (Hellenic Ornithological Society) is organizing a seminar for the training of wardens working in protected areas, in the context of the European Project LIFE-Nature for the protection of Falco eleonorae. The seminar will be held in Apeiranthos, Naxos, on March 16-19th, 2005.

The Wardening Plan for the breeding habitats of Falco eleonorae (commonly called Varvaki in Greek) is one of the most important actions for the protection of the species and will be implemented during the next two years as a pilot action in the following Special Protection Areas of the Aegean Sea:
 

• Kalymnos’ islets: Epano, Nera, Sari and Telendos (Natura 2000 Code: GR4210019)
   
• Antikythira island and the islets Prassonisi, Lagouvardos, Plakoulithra as well as Thymonies islet (Natura 2000 Code: GR3000012)
   
• Gramvousa peninsula and islets Imeri and Agria Gramvousa, Pontikonisi (Natura 2000 Code: GR4340017)
   
• Dia island (Natura 2000 Code: GR4310003)
   

A harmonious collaboration with the competent authorities is necessary for the successful implementation of any Wardening Plan. Moreover, authorities may contribute significantly to the improvement of the Plan, since they have a long experience on wardening issues.

For this reason, representatives of Institutions responsible for the guarding of protected areas in the Aegean Archipelagos (such as Local Forest Services, Coast Guard and Port Police Authorities, Hunting Confederation of Greece) as well as individuals belonging to other NGO’s (Non-Governmental Organizations), having a long experience on planning and implementing similar wardening plans, will be participating to this seminar.

The HOS was founded in 1982, for the protection of wild birds and their habitats. The HOS participates in actions for the protection and study of wild avifauna species, in Management Bodies, in the Natura 2000 Committee, the demarcation of Protected Areas and also works for the promotion and correct implementation of the Birds Directive.