Six two-day training seminars were held in Arta, Ioannina, Karditsa, Karpenisi, Larissa and Kalambaka in the framework of the Programme against poison baits financed by the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA).

The aim of the seminars was to train the competent authorities and agencies in methods of prevention and detection of poisoning incidents in the countryside, in accordance with the recent Joint Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette 4459/B/22-8-2022).

In total, more than 200 representatives of the competent authorities were trained, including members of NECCA’s Management Units, Forestry and Veterinary Services, Police, members of hunting organizations and employees of the Municipality.

The training included both theoretical and practical parts, with lectures, presentations, as well as practical exercises applying CSI methods and protocols to investigate and solve crimes. In addition, the NECCA’s Canine Units for Poison Bait Detection were presented.

The lectures were given by professors of the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Thessaly, staff of the Toxicology Laboratory of the Directorate of the Veterinary Centre of Athens, the Forestry Department, the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the Society for the Protection of Biodiversity of Thrace and of NECCA.

These seminars will will contribute significantly to improve the management of poisoning incidents in the field and identify the perpetrators.