The unique natural beauty land of Peliti, In Mesochori of the Municipality of Paranesti of the mountainous Drama, it was also flooded this year by people of all ages, who sent their own loud message of the importance of preserving traditional seed varieties, rural self -sufficiency and unnecessary economy.
OR Peliti’s 25th seed celebration was, for another year, a milestone for the rescue movement and the free dissemination of local varieties, attracting hundreds of visitors from different parts of Greece and abroad.
The distribution of traditional seeds took place in the building under construction building Peliti Seed Bank And the hundreds of visitors who waited patiently for a while had the opportunity to pick up, free, local seed varieties and plants, to exchange experiences and find out how to cultivate and maintain them.
This year’s, particularly rich, Program included a series of experiential laboratories, covering issues such as natural cultivation, The preparation of traditional foods, as well as the manufacture of useful tools made of natural materials. At the same time, traditional fertility customs were presented, while the artistic part included live music, photography exhibition and vast activities for young and old alike.
The inspiration of the annual seed feast and its founder Alternative Peliti Community, Panagiotis Sainatoudis, welcoming Greek and foreign visitors, did not hide his joy and satisfaction with the great participation of the world. He thanked those who support them and stressed the ever -increasing need around the world for seeds, so that people can cultivate the earth on their own, producing their food, in an effort to feel autonomous and independent.
P. Sainatoudis: “People were reminiscent of big celebrations before the crown”
“The impressive presence of the world at this year’s 25th Peliti seeds,” Panagiotis Sainatoudis emphasized, “reminded the big celebrations before Koronovi. This is particularly encouraging, it fills us with joy and our It is reminiscent of our mission, the responsibility we have, which we want to continue to serve with faith and dedication. We must never forget that all humans are connected to our common home, the big food, which is the earth. “
“Peliti is not only seeds, they are people’s relationships. It is the need to re -enter the earth, to become a community again, to produce what we need, and to offer it to each other. The seeds that are given are blooming seeds. The seeds that are imprisoned, are lost and with them is lost much of our culture and traditions, ”says Sainatoudis. “Peliti’s feast,” he points out, “it’s not just an event, eIt is an ecosystem of knowledge and hope. It is a place that unites locally with global movements for rural domination, sustainability, biodiversity and common goods. “
The Mayor of Paranestiou, Anastasios Kayoglou, in his address emphasized that through the annual seed celebration, tradition is always alive, while expressing the great support of the local community. in the Peliti community and Panagiotis Sainatoudis. “Thanks to this special celebration, the actions that are being implemented, the important initiatives of Panagiotis, Paranesti has become known throughout Greece and internationally,” Mr. Kagiaoglou emphasized.
Man’s relationship with plants was not at all harmonious
Two delegations from Austria and Switzerland participated in this year’s 25th seed festival. Erich Kaufmann, mayor of the Bludenz community in Austrian Alps, reported In the harmonious lifestyle that the village residents try to have, With the wild flora and fauna of the area, which belongs to UNESCO protected. He even referred to the great disaster that the community suffered in the mid -1950s, when the whole village was destroyed by a avalanche. ‘Unfortunately excessive logging then It resulted in stripping the mountain from the trees, which held the snow and protected the settlement. Since then we have been taking care of the forest and trying to grow naturally, “the mayor said.
Marcus Bodmer, president of his friends Merian Botanic Garden in Basel, Switzerland, in his address emphasized that Switzerland had one of the first botanical gardens, north of the Alps, founded in the late 16th century. “Today,” he said, “we have two botanical gardens, each specialist on different issues. In addition, we have a National Foundation, which deals with the protection of rare species, which preserves one of the largest seed banks. “
“Plants are life. They maintain us, feed us and provide the foundations for all living things. Without them, we would not survive, “Mr Bowntmer emphasized and continued: “Plants are at the heart of our nutritional systems. Almost 75% of the foods we consume come from plants. Unfortunately, our relationship with plants was not harmonious at all. In recent decades, herbal species around the world have faced increasing threats, many of which are directly caused by human activity. Experts predict that up to one million plant species are currently threatened with extinction. “
Beatrice’s contribution
Of the most The moving moments of the 25th seed feast was the presence there of the active agronomist Beatrice Winderstein, who was one of the first women to work to certify agricultural organic products. Despite her age she continues to be a dynamic personality, who supports the Peliti community.
It was December 1990, when Panagiotis Sainatoudis, at the age of 21, organized the first large cycle of ecological farming in Greece with Beatrice Winderstein. A year later, when the course was repeated, he suggested the participants to create a group. This is how the Ecological Practice Workshop was born, which coordinated its actions until 1993. In January 1991 he started the first team in Greece for local seed varieties. In 1995 began the Peliti that coordinates to this day.
Speaking in front of a crowded audience, Mrs Winderstein emphasized the need to trust young people and support them in the effort they make. “Every day, to make a new thought, because This is how new things are born that can change our world »he emphasized.
Like every year, this year the seed celebration ended with all the participants forming on Earth, with their bodies, the Peliti signal and immediately after making a hug to each other. Sofia Gida sang an excerpt from “Spring Agreement” (Giannis Markopoulos’ poem by Yiannis Ritsos), which is the anthem of Peliti’s seed feast.
The 25th seed celebration was not just an anniversary meeting. It was a vibrant reminder of the need for sustainable agriculturethe power of the community and the value of cultural and natural heritage.