Since 2003, MedINA has placed at the heart of its work – and as its shared vision – the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. Based in Athens, our work truly comes alive in the Greek countryside and across the Mediterranean, through collaborations we build with local and international partners.
We are not just an environmental organisation. We are a team of people striving for the wellbeing of local communities, the protection of natural resources, and the safeguarding of cultural heritage.
MedINA was born from the vision of Thymio Papayannis, architect-planner and pioneer in the conservation of the environment and cultural heritage. With more than 50 years of experience, he inspired us to look beyond the present and to work collectively for a better world.
At MedINA, we do not separate nature from humankind. We follow a holistic approach that connects scientific knowledge with local wisdom, building bridges between the past and the future.
We work with dedication to:
Together with communities, we strengthen resilience to climate change and other pressing challenges.
We promote sustainable practices that respect and protect the land and water – the very foundations of life. We encourage people to become stewards of their natural and cultural heritage.
We envision a world where:
We know we cannot achieve this alone. We need everyone’s voice, participation and collaboration. Because together, we can build a world that lives in harmony with nature. This change is not only our vision – it is our promise.
We are commited to our mission aspiring to make the world a better place for all.
We believe that diversity of species and ecosystems, cultures and opinions, backgrounds and expertise makes us better and stronger.
We believe in collective action as a driver to bring change.
We love what we do. We’re excited and inspired by new ideas.
Climate change, poverty and inequality are some of the biggest challenges faced by societies across the planet. Finding a balance between inclusive human development and the conservation and wise use of our planet’s critical ecosystems and resources is vital for our common future. Only when human communities become allies in this process and stewards of their own natural and cultural environment can real, sustainable progress be made.
For us, working closely with people at all levels, from the local to the international, as well as promoting community empowerment, environmental protection and cultural diversity, is the clearest way forward in creating the kind of world that is not only good and equitable for those of us alive today but for future generations, too.
Being an active part of the global community is important to us, as is involving ourselves in issues to the benefit of all. Our work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the conservation of biological diversity, and global action for mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
Culture is neither static nor related solely to the remains of past civilizations; it evolves and connects humankind’s past with its future. By embracing societal strengths, contemporary attitudes and creativity, cultural responses to environmental change can provide one of our most important strategies when facing the great environmental challenges of today.
