Green Community Resilience Initiative – GCRI

The Green Community Resilience Initiative (GCRI) is a solidarity project developed under the European Solidarity Corps, designed and implemented by a group of five young residents of Veria, Greece. Its main goal is to strengthen environmental responsibility and community participation in the rural areas of Makrochori and Kouloura, two neighbouring villages that represent the local character and natural beauty of the Imathia region.

The initiative focuses on environmental restoration and social inclusion by engaging citizens in tree planting activities that transform public spaces into greener, more welcoming areas. The tree planting actions in Makrochori and Kouloura bring together young volunteers, residents, and local representatives, who collaborate to improve their surroundings and create new shared spaces for daily use. The selection of native and climate-resilient trees ensures that the environmental impact of the project remains long-lasting, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological stability of the region.

As a solidarity project, GCRI encourages the active participation of young people, including those with fewer opportunities, fostering teamwork, empathy, and civic engagement. Beyond the environmental outcome, the initiative strengthens local cooperation, inspires residents to take pride in their villages, and demonstrates how community-based action can lead to meaningful change.

By the end of the implementation, the villages of Makrochori and Kouloura gain not only new green areas but also a renewed sense of unity and collective responsibility. The project reflects the core values of the European Solidarity Corps—solidarity, inclusion, and active citizenship—while leaving a visible and lasting contribution to the local environment and the social fabric of the Veria community.