The message of Chr. Stylianidis to the volunteers for the International Volunteer Day

At the beginning of the new year, the facilities are expected to be handed over and the operation of the Civil Protection Academy in Vilia will start, while in about six months, the register of civil protection volunteers will be completed, according to estimates by the Civil Protection staff.

The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Christos Stylianidis, makes a special reference to these two important initiatives, in a message addressed to all the volunteers, who substantially assist the Civil Protection in its work, describing at the same time in dramatic tones the predictions of science. on the climate, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean and underlining the need for everyone to work together to address the future. The message is in a video that has been posted on youtube and on the social media of the ministry, on the occasion of the celebration of the International Volunteer Day. In this, the Minister expresses a big thank you to all those who contribute to the mission of Civil Protection, “which is none other than the preservation of human life and property, as well as our natural wealth”, while declaring his support in all levels to volunteers.

“Volunteering is for us in the new Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, one of the most urgent issues and one of our key priorities. So know that the new ministry will be by your side in all your endeavors. Be absolutely “We believe in you. Volunteering is a value of life”, Mr. Stylianidis emphasizes in his message, while referring to the climate crisis, he points out that there is no doubt that the climate crisis is a reality: It is happening now. Especially in Greece, extreme weather events have exceeded all expectations, as evidenced by the recent examples of “Athena” and “Ballos”, as well as the prolonged heat and fires of summer. Extremes are occurring across the length and breadth of the earth, but the Eastern Mediterranean is at the heart of the climate crisis, and scientists’ predictions about our neighborhood are extremely worrying.

“Today, the role of volunteers is more necessary than ever. It is crucial for us to be able to face the harsh reality,” said Stylianidis. “Our ministry, the government, the whole country, we all know we need you.” “And we know we have to strengthen your role. It’s not a theory, it’s a necessity that we have to put into practice.” Such a thing, says Mr. Stylianidis, will be achieved with the correct and complete education, but also with the experience of the volunteers, which must be systematized. This will be done through the Civil Protection Academy and the Register of Volunteers.

With the Academy, an open school in society, Civil Protection aspires to create the “nursery” of volunteers, but at the same time to take care of their protection through education. “The safety of the volunteers is for us out of the blue,” the minister said, while for the Academy he said: “It is a key step, not only for the organization and training of our volunteers, but also for the development of the volunteer spirit in society.” “.

The full utilization of volunteers, however, is estimated to be done with the Civil Protection Volunteer Register: “This is a very important issue that international experience proves that we need at all times, immediately available, a well-organized register,” he said. In his message, Mr. Stylianidis adds: “The register will accurately capture the voluntary organizations that are active throughout the country, in each Region and in each municipality. Through this we will know the training that each volunteer has received, the field of activity , but also the equipment at its disposal, so that we can also contribute by supplementing your equipment, if necessary. This will help us, not only organizationally, but mainly operationally. we update our planning and actions, depending on the local needs, to set achievable goals. Your vast experience and knowledge, we are confident that we will upgrade the effectiveness of actions and other Civil Protection agencies, such as the Fire Brigade. “Because better cooperation builds better results.”

Source: AMPE