Vitsa-Ano Pedina: What do we know about Greek forests?

"ZAGORI: THE LAND BEYOND. Last time I was up here was back in 2009, and today I have the opportunity to live the experience again with such fine weather, it is merely paradise! a whole world hidden inside the lap of mountains, a world of aesthetic and natural loneliness and uniqueness: a space of dramatic scenery, beautiful gorges and mountain tops covered by brilliant snow underneath the spring light, a variety of forest and at the same time stone-built settlements. Nowhere else in Greece can one encounter those elements in such a perfect combination! If I add the flawless hospitality and the fruitful schedule of activities, as well as the numerous but still matching company of different ages, everyone having a great sense of humour - which equals to a miracle indeed - I can exclaim that this is "the most beautiful Easter time in the most magnificent mountain landscape during the most dreadful year for our country" - Dimitris Katsoudas.

Hiking from Vitsa-Monodendri to Ano Pedina, up to the Astraka refuge, strolling at Missios bridge down the Vitsa stairs, walking around at Oxya, Vradeto stairs and Kokoros bridge, visiting the "sarakatsaniki stani" at Gyftokampos, getting informed at the Info Point on the National Park of Northern Pindos, culinary itineraries at Anemi (Kato Pedina), Kanela kai Garyfalo (Vitsa), Ntizaki (Ano Pedina), Margarites (Kipoi), and last but not least En Chora Vezytsa for the "mageiritsa" and Athina (Elati) for the Easter lamb.

Everybody was impressed by the key-note speaker, Dimitris Katsoudas, who had a tremendous will to inform its audience at every possible chance during the whole activity, and not only at the time that his speech was scheduled. Mr Katsoudas pointed out that while Greek governments spend hundreds of billions on national defence, they do not give a dam about the desertification of the soil! Reforestations as well as other protection measures are very few. Each year productive soil leaks from our hands and falls into the sea. Floods get worse due to lack of forest. We spend enormous amounts on repression (airplanes, helicopters, firefighting vehicles), we spend peanuts on forest management and fire prevention. A forest left without management gathers a large amount of biomass which is the main cause for having and expanding a fire. Back in 1960s there were about 120.000 resin collectors who really protected the forest. They hardly exist nowadays. The goats and the unregulated grazing do make things worse.

Vikos paths was organised for the seventh time, April 8th to April 12 2015, under fine weather. In this activity took part forty people, children and grown-ups. The topic concerning Greek forest was broadly discussed. A concert in impromptu by the youngest seized everyone´s attention. It was also the first time to hear the scout song in the land beyond, a sentimental tune that charged with emotion the participants´memories.

"Should we leave without hope anymore, that we will meet again with joy. No we are not separated forever children, but we will see each other again often my brothers. And now let us all join hands and weave a chain of strong love. And the God who constantly sees us from above, will one day unite us all together again. Old and beautiful past that we lived together, let it remain for example in our new life."