The work of Desmos in Northern Euboea

Fires in Northern Euboea

The catastrophic wildfires of 2021 devastated many parts of Greece, including Northern Evia. The final toll reached 508,000 stremmas (50,800 hectares) of burned land — 275,000 stremmas of forest and 34,000 stremmas of olive groves, with the remainder consisting of farmland and shrubland. It is estimated that one-third of Evia’s forests were destroyed.

Thanks to our team’s swift response and the trust of our supporters, Desmos’ presence in Northern Evia has been continuous — from the very start of the fires to this day.

Our response began with gathering information in the early hours and days to immediately meet needs and update the ever-changing requirements after the fire was extinguished. We then found ourselves at the epicenter of the disaster, with the aim of mapping the area, its particularities, and, of course, the needs of the people. Along the way, we talked with the local community, the educational community, associations, local leaders, We cultivated relationships of trust and collaborated with agencies and organizations active in the area so that we could proceed with projects and interventions that would have a positive impact on the local community.

In the early days, Desmos coordinated in-kind donations such as: power banks, refrigerators, hygiene products, volunteer transport, hot meals, mobility aids for the elderly, food, cleaning supplies, and medicines.

Soon after, we covered essential needs including: school supplies for children, protective boots and uniforms for logging cooperatives, professional cleaning equipment, tablets to assist families applying for government aid, heaters, home appliances, furniture, and equipment for local schools.

Within the first year, Desmos implemented numerous initiatives: distribution of olive oil to families in 8 fire-affected villages, reconstruction of a 5×5 football field in the Limni community, redevelopment of the schoolyard at Rovies Primary School, including a basketball and volleyball court.

In addition, technological, educational, and athletic equipment was delivered to 11 schools, and logistical, medical, and hotel equipment was delivered to the two Health Centers of the Municipality of Mantoudi and Istiaia and to the corresponding Regional Clinics. At the same time, volunteer forest fire protection teams were reinforced in Prokopi and Limni, including a 4×4 forest firefighting vehicle.

In 2023, we continued our efforts by providing 7 volunteer forest fire protection teams with equipment and personal protective gear throughout Euboea, and by renovating the former kindergarten in the community of Papades, which now serves as a Creative Leisure Center for young and old alike.

Our most recent initiative involves supporting the forest species nursery in Kechries, Northern Euboea. We are contributing to the initiative to establish the newly founded forest species nursery, with the aim of protecting and conserving endemic and rare plants affected by the 2021 wildfire. By collecting seeds from the forests that have survived in the area, we will grow approximately 10,000 plants annually.

Desmos is supporting the creation of a part-time position for the operation of the nursery (December 2023–2025) in collaboration with the Limni Forestry Office, the Laboratory of Systematic Botany at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), WWF Greece, and the Association of Volunteer Forest Firefighters and Rescuers of Elymnia (SEDDE).

Desmos’ presence in Northern Euboea today…

True to our commitment to remain on the ground long after the spotlight fades, we’ve ensured every donation entrusted to us is used with maximum impact. We have completed our second year of work in Northern Euboea and we are continuing… Throughout this time, our work has been focused on ensuring that every donation helps to rebuild and bring relief to the communities in the region and offers hope for the future of this long-suffering area.

We remain deeply grateful to all our supporters — individuals, companies, and foundations — who have placed their trust in Desmos again and again, allowing us to take action and deliver meaningful, lasting impact.