The alternative community "Peliti"
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The alternative community "Peliti" (in brief "Peliti") was established in 1995 by Panagioti Sainatoudi, who has been the organization’s coordinator until today.
Panagiotis Sainatoudis, coordinator of Peliti, to be awarded on May 22 2009 by Biodiversity International
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The logo of “Peliti” is an oak tree under which men and women, holding hands, are dancing in a circle. This was initially inspired by an Indian myth. Its use as a logo was suggested by Panagiotis Sainatoudis and designed by Angeliki Kaiseroglou The main objective of “Peliti” is the collection, preservation and distribution of local varieties. "Peliti" means oak in the language of Pontus. The name "Peliti" was inspired by a large oak tree that exists in the location Dasoto of Kato Nevrokopi, in the prefecture of Drama. |
The main goals of “Peliti” are:
- The collection, conservation and distribution of local varieties.
- The exchange of goods and services without the mediation of money.
- The establishment of an alternative community.
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Currently, “Peliti” is the most
important non-governmental organisation in Greece aiming at the
collection, distribution and rescue of local varieties. Also, it deals with
the registration of native rural animals.
Philosophical background of "Peliti"
It all begins with the idea that we all bear responsibility for what takes
place, both on personal and on global level. We make things happen by our
attitude and our way of thinking.
Moreover, each one of us holds part of the solution for the problems
occurring on personal and global level. We are not anyone’s victims, neither
are others to blame for what we experience.
When we focus our attention on the positive things that are happening, they
are enhanced.
We do not know what is good and what is bad. We do not know why certain
things happen. If we take a look on things throughout the course of time,
what brings pain today may bring joy tomorrow and afterwards it can bring
pain again and so on.
Social or economic position is not important. It is our thought that is
very powerful and sufficient to drive things. We are even more powerful when
we work together.
What is most important is not what others do, but rather what we do
ourselves. The real problem is not whether a new product will be launched in
the market. The question is if we will support it or not. Multinational
companies normally care about their own business and we, on the other
side, have our task.
We do not consume or support the products that destroy the environment.
We do not fight against anybody, we just increase our awareness and this is
enough to bring about tremendous changes.
Legal status of "Peliti"
"Peliti" is a civil non-speculative
organisation, approved by the Court of Justice of the prefecture of Drama.
Expeditionary missions
Several expeditionary missions within the continental and insular parts of
the country are realised throughout the year. To date, roughly 1,500
varieties of vegetables, cereals etc. have been collected and distributed to
approximately 50,000 amateur and professional farmers.
Conservation of varieties
Part of the varieties collected in the expeditionary missions is given to
the Greek Gene Bank, which is the national institution responsible for the
plant genetic material.
More seeds are given to fellow farmers-preservers, who engage themselves in
their farm conservation and evaluation.
Delivery of seeds
"Peliti" has the possibility to distribute some
seeds to farmers. These seeds are original (non-modified) varieties that are
handed out mainly during open air events, speeches etc.
"Localities of
farms devoted to the conservation of local landrace and indigenous farm
Animal breeds"
These “localities of farms...” began in 2000 and are actually a list of
farmers who work with local varieties, registered according to their region.
This list is annual, and comes out in September and only in printed form.
The
11th
issue was published in September 2011.
Encouraging local teams
"Peliti" has played a decisive role in the
encouragement and creation of local teams for the collection and
distribution of local varieties. A typical example of this is the
environmental group of Eretria. Moreover, “Peliti”
has inspired and supported the initiatives for the establishment of a Bank
of Genetic Material in Cyprus.
Brochure for the
collection and preservation of local varieties
The brochure for the
collection and preservation of local varieties is a guide referring to
different ways of gathering and conserving seeds. It is published with the
aim of providing guidance to our collaborating farmers.
Financial status of "Peliti"
All the people who work for “Peliti” are
volunteers. In total, roughly 100 volunteers offer their help in terms of
work, knowledge, technical expertise etc. every year. In addition,
approximately 500 – 550 students participate in the celebration of 7th May.
The income of “Peliti” comes from donations by
its supporters and from its publications. A bank account is available for
depositing financial support to “Peliti”. If you
wish, you could also become a supporter of “Peliti”
by depositing money to the following bank account number:
Agricultural Bank of Greece, account number: 198 04 003033 49
IBAN:GR21 0430 2120 0019 8040 0303 349
BIC:ABGRGRAA
alternative community Peliti
Our vision for the future - A farm for the future, an "ark" for
the present
We envisage the establishment of a farm – community, like an ark for local
varieties. A community of peace and love, where the preservation of local
varieties is a natural tendency emanating from the love of man for life and
for the diversity of nature.
Everything man has created was first born in his imagination… One day our
community will become a reality.
For more information
write
to 