Fish farming: The imminent threat of their expansion and the ignorance of risk

feature image Voluntary Fire Unit of Poros

Voluntary Fire Unit of Poros

Who wouldn’t want to live in a society characterized by solidarity and selflessness? But these two concepts are not abstract, nor can they be imposed by any law. They are connected to our morals, conscience and expectations. It’s a way of life. Volunteering is an integral part of such a society. The concept of volunteering is expressed in many ways, from the simple offering of clothes to the staffing of the fire service. Volunteers are fighting for a better life and a better future. Such an example is the Voluntary Fire Unit of Poros

The Voluntary Fire Unit of Poros started operating in May 2018, after longtime efforts. It is housed in the building of the Open Care Center for the Elderly (ΚΑΠΗ) and belongs administratively to the F.D. of the Prefecture of Argolida. It is staffed by three sub-officers and 21 volunteers. It has three fire engines and is fully equipped, while the Municipality has undertaken the costs of its operation and maintenance.

What is the importance of voluntary firefighting for Poros?

A green island with many visitors has many reasons to be on alert. Imagine a house burning during the night on Poros, and for a fire engine to get to it, to have to pass to the island by ferry. Delay means more damage. However, in areas with a small population, there is no provision for the operation of fire stations. 

This puts Poros in an adverse position. A firefighting unit based on the island would not be able to operate without volunteers. Therefore, practically their presence solves a lot of problems. The altruism of these people preserves our right to live safer. We have to acknowledge that. 

What does it mean to be a volunteer firefighter? 

These are the people next door who, depending on their physical condition and merits, contribute to different sectors. Volunteers get 120 hours of theoretical and practical training. They take exams to be certified and cover three shifts a month. Also, the seminars they participate in are almost the same as the ones for professionals. Very big responsibility! But they protect our natural environment, our property and, in some cases, our lives. 

So, let’s see what volunteer firefighter Marianthi Papadiamanti says, “I can’t stay indifferent. Since the first moment we were able to do something, then, with the fire at Lambrakis, where we had nothing, people were in flip-flops. Some people, even tourists, Greeks and foreigners, were struggling to carry water from the sea in balls, hand to hand. By contrast, there were people passing by, taking pictures and even interfering.” She adds, “I have met people who have the same interest as me and this has created more friendly, more substantial bonds. That’s something interesting in life anyway when it occurs.”

Let’s become part of the solution

We could say a lot about the state’s weaknesses in organizing and responding to our needs. However, along with the improvements we may be claiming from the state, we can act in order to fill in the gaps. Katheti, recognizing the decisive contribution of its own volunteers and the key role played by the Volunteer Fire Unit of Poros, reminds us that we can spare some of our free time and become part of the solution! 

Previous Article
Model communities
22 February 2021
Next Article
A strange yet wonderful year!
24 March 2021

Recent Posts

Korfos fish farm
13 November 2023

These short film documentaries about the Industrial Fish Farms illustrate the global harmful impact on the environment and our health.

29 September 2023

Sport is an activity that develops body and mind equally. Through sport, our youth learn new skills and socialize, creating friendships and partnerships in an environment of healthy competition.

29 August 2023

A look back at Poros Arts Festival 2023. This summer, the Poros Arts Festival was spread all over the island.

Resources about fish farms featured image
29 July 2023

An innovative information tool which brings together data, research, videos and articles about industrial fish farming.

24 July 2023

Fishing for Profits: Aquaculture company meeting resistance from local communities in Greece and Spain.

27 June 2023

An innovative digital events calendar that covers the area of Poros, Troizinia and Methana. The calendar informs locals and visitors about planned events related to culture, education, sports, etc, in Greek and in English.

01 June 2023

A number of enlightened countries have already banned industrial fish farms in open marine net pens such as those on Poros.

winetasting-featured-image
27 April 2023

The wine routes in our area have existed since antiquity. Nowadays, wine remains a popular drink and an important agricultural product.

poros trails
26 April 2023

Poros trails bring us in contact with the pine forest and the untouched natural environment of the island.

performing arts
02 December 2022

The creative work of people in this area is our identity. So, let’s take a taste of the local performing arts.

kyouka
03 November 2022

“KYUKA” is a modern life-story movie about a family sailing to Poros for their summer vacation.

sundesmos-troizinioi
28 February 2022

The Association of Troizinians living in Athens and Piraeus was founded in 1895, is based in Piraeus and has many events to its credit.

agios dimitrios
26 January 2022

The byzantine chapel of Agios Dimitrios in Methana was built at the edge of the lava, circa the end of the 13th or the beginning of the 14th century and hides a lot of mysteries. 

sillogos poriotissa
25 January 2022

The variety of customs reflects the particular character of each small society and composes a larger, colorful, multivalent image, that of culture. Knowledge of our traditions and history shapes our future common course as a community. This is the reason why Katheti supports all those people who strengthen with their actions the local cultural life and keep our cultural heritage alive. One such example is the Cultural Association of Poros Women “Poriotissa”. 

oi-filoi-tis-paradosis
23 December 2021

The Cultural Association of Galatas “Friends of Tradition” was founded with the aim of promoting the area of Galatas and preserving the tradition and history of the area. 

volunteering
25 October 2021

Volunteering means compassion and care. It creates friendships and helps us achieve multifaceted personal development.

olive tree
01 October 2021

We live in an area that can be described as land of the olive tree. An area with awards and tradition in the production of excellent quality olive oil.

Hiking trails of Poros, Troizhnia and Methana
28 May 2021

The hiking trails of Poros, Troizinia and Methana unfold in a place with special geography and variety of landscape.

27 April 2021

Our region, has an idyllic landscape and tradition in fishing and tourism. What better than a fishing trip with the Saronic Gulf as a view!

22 January 2021

Handmade creations combine knowledge and traditional techniques with modern aesthetics to produce functional, useful products and serve practical needs. Local artisans have a two-way relationship with the area in which they live.

21 December 2020

Sustainable tourism, which respects people, the environment and culture, is ideal for this blessed place. This is the belief of Ec(h)o, the local team of Project Resound, a social design organization, which uses its creative skills to bring a positive change in the world.

24 November 2020

What better gift than a book? Katheti compiled in one article all books with a local flavor we managed to discover and we present them to you.

29 October 2020

Some say that people resemble the place they come from. In order to discover the area, its beauty and specificities, the most suitable way is through a gastronomic adventure. The local products and producers are going to reveal surprising hidden treasures, by giving us a glimpse of the Saronic Gulf’s charm.

30 September 2020

Katheti visited the space of the association “Cultural Action of Troizina” at the Municipal Office of Troizina.

28 February 2024

The sculptor of the Mermaid of Poros, George Xenoulis, left his indelible mark with the statue he sculpted for our island.

02 February 2024

On January 25 the educational program “Why we say no to fish farms on Poros” took place at Katheti in collaboration with EPAL Galatas!

01 December 2023

Katheti is ready for a year full of events and activities!