From flames to forests: We4All is restoring mountain ecosystems in Greece and beyond

26/06/2025

In 2018, when the devastating fires tore through Greece, claiming more than 100 lives and leaving landscapes and communities in ruins, something remarkable began to take shape. From the ashes, We4All emerged—not just as a response to tragedy, but as a vibrant movement dedicated to healing the planet and the people who depend on its fragile mountain ecosystems. What started as a local initiative has since blossomed into a global network of thousands of volunteers, activists and organizations united by a common goal: to restore mountain environments and empower mountain communities. 

Mountains define much of We4All’s work. In Greece, 80 percent of the land is mountainous and over 40 peaks rise above 2 000 metres. This mountainous backdrop is more than geography — it shapes the livelihoods, cultures and vulnerabilities of communities living on its slopes. Recognizing this connection, We4All has focused on reforesting burnt lands, preventing wildfires and promoting sustainable development that supports both nature and people. 

“Our goal is to address immediate needs, aid in the recovery process, and implement restoration efforts to mitigate future damage. Through proactive measures and community support, we strive to restore normalcy and protect vulnerable ecosystems”, explains Constantinos Kalfountzos, Volunteers and Disaster Relief Coordinator at We4All. 

We4All's work extends far beyond Greece’s borders. In the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda, We4All’s tree planting projects have taken root, bringing new hope to farmers battling soil erosion and climate change. In Kenya’s arid mountain areas, their efforts help communities reclaim biodiversity and build climate resilience. Education lies at the heart of these initiatives: by reaching hundreds of thousands of children in more than ten countries, We4All nurtures environmental awareness and stewardship among future generations. 

What makes We4All unique is the way it integrates environmental restoration with community empowerment. Trees are not planted in isolation but as part of a broader strategy to revitalize rural economies and strengthen social ties. In northern Evia, Greece, over 150 000 olive and fruit trees have been planted to support local farmers recovering from fire damage, providing both food security and income. Meanwhile, in fire-prone areas like Ancient Olympia, tens of thousands of fire-resistant trees and new water reservoirs are helping communities build defenses against future disasters. 

Local people are not only beneficiaries—they are active partners in every step of the process. Schools, farmers, vulnerable groups and municipal authorities collaborate with We4All, ensuring that projects respond to local realities and priorities. The organization’s careful planning and ongoing monitoring have resulted in tree survival rates surpassing 85 percent, a testament to the deep-rooted care and commitment of everyone involved. 

“Since 2018, with the help of the We4All Environmental Alliance and our volunteers, we’ve planted over 3.7 million trees worldwide—more than a million in Greece alone—but planting is just the beginning. In a country prone to wildfires and drought, long-term care and choosing native, fire-resistant species are key to helping trees survive and thrive”, says Constantinos. 

Despite these successes, challenges remain. Climate change fuels more frequent and severe wildfires, droughts and land degradation, threatening the delicate balance of mountain ecosystems worldwide.  

As they look to the future, We4All plans to plant another 400 000 trees in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains over the coming years. These efforts aim not only to restore biodiversity and prevent soil erosion but also to empower communities to face a changing climate with resilience and hope. 

From tragedy has grown a powerful story of renewal. We4All represents a powerful collective commitment grounded in a deep respect for mountains and the communities that rely on them.

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