"GAIA" Volunteers of Mani
The cultural, nature-loving, and voluntary association of Western Mani "GAIA" was founded in 2000 by Doctor Grigoris Orphanidis with the aim of protecting nature and preserving local culture. At the same time, with the association's foundation, a recycling point for batteries, lamps and other materials was created while informing citizens about composting also began.
The association comprises volunteers (speleologists, climbers, divers, etc.) and deals with environmental issues, firefighting and flooding, health, search-rescue and social solidarity. It works with various groups and government agencies and has four fire engines, an ambulance, a lifeboat, an all-purpose vehicle and an emergency multi-purpose truck.
The "GAIA" team is led by Kostas Xideas, and the members are constantly trained in firefighting, first aid and search and rescue of missing people. Another area of contribution of the association is the rescue of animals in need and the tree planting of areas of Mount Taygetos to reforest the slopes destroyed by previous fires. It is worth noting that in 2011, 650 volunteers planted 11,000 trees in just one day!