Kallisto stressed that bears are a ‘strictly protected species under Greek and international law’, and said the Forest Service must immediately conduct an in-depth investigation into every incident of bear killing.
‘The three incidents of bear killings recorded within just a few hours in Western Macedonia, two by firearm and one by poisoned bait, cause intense concern and highlight in the most dramatic way the long-standing threats facing the species in Greece,’ the environmental organisation said in a statement.
It added that ‘killing or injuring a bear is an illegal act that is prosecuted. The bear is a strictly protected species under Greek and international law, protected by the Forest Code, the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, the Bern Convention and the CITES Convention, while it is classified as an endangered species according to the Red Book of Threatened Animals of Greece.’
‘Under these circumstances, the Forest Service must immediately conduct an in-depth investigation into every incident of bear killing, regardless of whether it involved a firearm, poisoned bait or another illegal act. The full clarification of the incidents, the identification of those responsible and their referral to justice are not simply an administrative responsibility, but an institutional obligation of the state towards the protection of biodiversity and the public interest. Unfortunately, so far, no incident has been investigated, which should concern the political leadership and the judiciary and should perhaps lead to the mobilisation of additional means and services,’ Kallisto said.
The organisation also stressed that incidents involving bears approaching residential areas or zones of human activity cannot be used as a pretext for vigilante action.
‘Citizens must immediately inform the competent authorities, so that the prescribed management protocols and the Bear Emergency Intervention Teams can be activated,’ it said.
Kallisto said the repeated incidents demonstrate the urgent need for the full and consistent implementation of the National Bear Action Plan. It called on the state to invest substantially in prevention, ensure the implementation of all measures envisaged for human-bear coexistence, and guarantee the adequate staffing and operational readiness of the Forest Services and Immediate Intervention Teams in every area where bears are present.
‘Environmental organisations are willing to contribute with all their strength to the consistent implementation of these measures, with the specialised knowledge and many years of experience they possess,’ it said.
‘Protecting bears is not limited to declarations. It requires systematic prevention, effective management and, above all, zero tolerance towards any illegal killing,’ Kallisto concluded.
______________________________________________
Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.
Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.