Greece boasts one of the richest butterfly faunas in Europe, with Corfu alone home to approximately 75 species out of a total of 230 found across the country. Despite this wealth of biodiversity, Corfu’s butterflies are facing significant threats due to poorly controlled development and changes in agricultural practices. This rapid environmental degradation is putting several butterfly species at risk of being classified as threatened in the upcoming 2023 European Red List assessment. To counter this pressing issue, effective surveys and monitoring are essential for understanding distribution and population trends, thereby informing necessary conservation measures.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort in community engagement and education. Corfiots must be empowered with knowledge and practical tools to make informed decisions about their natural environment. Educational initiatives targeting school-age children, who already show enthusiasm for conservation, are crucial, as are collaborations with local authorities who have responded positively to conservation efforts. By providing high-quality evidence and fostering a shift in attitudes towards environmental preservation, we can motivate the community to actively contribute to the protection and sustainability of Corfu’s unique butterfly species and habitats.

The IEF is proud to support the Butterfly Conservation Project Officer position in partnership with Corfu Butterfly Conservation and the Capodistrias Museum. This role is vital for protecting Corfu’s butterflies and biodiversity through education and public events, and the opportunity to collaborate with the Capodistrias Museum will further amplify all efforts, leveraging the museum’s cultural significance to reach a wider audience.

The Butterfly Conservation Project Officer will play a pivotal role in integrating the work of the Corfu Butterfly Conservation group within Corfiot society, by fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the island’s butterflies and biodiversity. The primary purpose of this position is to protect the butterfly species and the biodiversity of Corfu through scientific research as well as educational programs. By developing and delivering a robust outreach program, the Butterfly Conservation Project Officer will engage in activities designed to captivate and educate children, instilling in them a lifelong passion for their natural heritage. Educational programs will be closely linked to the local school curriculum, ensuring that young Corfiots learn about the importance of biodiversity from an early age. Through hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences, children will not only gain knowledge but also develop a sense of responsibility towards conserving their island’s unique flora and fauna.

The IEF is dedicated to protecting Corfu’s unique biodiversity for future generations. Our partnership with the Corfu Butterfly Conservation and the Capodistrias Museum is a crucial step, but we need everyone’s support to make a lasting impact. By engaging in education, community efforts, and sustainable practices, we can collectively ensure the preservation of our island’s rich natural heritage. Join us in this mission to inspire and protect Corfu’s environment for generations to come.

Project Update

Thanks to the support of the Ionian Environment Foundation, Corfu Butterfly Conservation, in partnership with the Capodistrias Museum, has been able to carry out vital educational and conservation programs on the island. Anne Sordinas, the Butterfly Conservation Educational Outreach Officer at the Capodistrias Museum, has been leading a variety of educational programs aimed at Corfu’s youth, which include:

• Hosting educational events for local youth.

• Creating and distributing informative materials.

• Organizing activities for the Festival of Butterflies.

• Conducting butterfly surveys and scientific research.

Anne Sordinas, Educational Outreach Officer, shared her thoughts on the significance of the project:

“The cooperation between Corfu Butterfly Conservation, the Capodistrias Museum, and the Ionian Environment Foundation has enabled me, as Educational Outreach Officer, to begin the important work of educating Corfu’s young people about the importance of butterflies and, more widely, the island’s environment. The funding has also covered educational events, the printing of posters and leaflets, events for our annual Festival of Butterflies, surveying of butterfly species whose plight is of special concern, butterfly recording, and scientific research.
Reaching out to the children and families of Corfu is the best way to engage and encourage local citizens to protect their island’s environmental heritage and instigate real change for the future. An educator recently thanked me after an educational event, saying she had no idea such programs were available on Corfu. I often hear such encouraging feedback, and I consider bringing awareness to my fellow islanders my life’s work.”

We are incredibly proud of the impact this program is having on the local community, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside our partners to ensure Corfu’s natural heritage is preserved for generations to come.