Page 8 - EMPIRIA 2025

WELCOME NOTE

MOMENTS THAT CHANGE US: THE BIRD RELEASES
The heart of the event, however, was not in the formal active stewards in their own communities. Nearly all to create space for joy—is inextricably linked to the Protecting
sessions, but in a moment of quiet release. Two wild birds—a participants reported an eagerness to remain involved. preservation of what makes joy possible: clean waters,
Little Owl (Athena noctua) and a European Honey Buzzard Some even committed to becoming local hubs for first living landscapes, cultural authenticity. Sponsoring this what makes us
(Pernis apivorus)—were brought from a rehabilitation response on islands like Syros and Antiparos. The CPF initiative aligns seamlessly with our sustainability
hospital in Paros and returned to the skies of Santorini in a practical training sessions were equally compelling. pillars, which include environmental stewardship, cultural whole.
moving release ceremony. Set on the grounds of Vedema Using life-sized models, experts demonstrated how preservation, and social upliftment. Guests staying at
Resort and witnessed by guests, environmentalists, and to handle various species in need—including birds, Empiria properties are not passive observers in this
staff, the releases were a poetic reminder of the shared dolphins, turtles, and seals. For many, this was the story. They are invited, gently and with intention, to be
space we hold with the natural world. The story of each first time they had felt empowered to act in the face of part of this mission. Through in-room materials, curated
bird was told: its injury, its healing, and now, its flight. In environmental crisis. This was no symbolic exercise. cultural experiences, and interactions with our passionate
that moment, Empiria’s values came alive. The reverence Within a week of the training, a baby monk seal washed team, each visitor becomes part of a community that
for nature, the commitment to immersive learning, the ashore on nearby Anafi. Thanks to the Santorini-based values preservation over consumption, participation
belief in transformational hospitality—it all coalesced in network of trained individuals—now deeply connected over detachment. Imagine arriving at Vedema Resort and
one graceful flight. through the program—the seal was safely transported learning that the land you walk on has not only hosted
to MOm’s rehabilitation center in Athens. Days later, global travelers, but also served as a launchpad for
TRAINING THAT BUILDS CAPACITY—AND COMMUNITY in Tinos, another trainee responded to a call about an rehabilitated wildlife to take wing again. Imagine knowing
Following the release, the Forum transitioned into injured hawk. Though the bird sadly didn’t survive, that the hotel’s name stands for something greater than
formal training sessions. Over 70 attendees joined the rapid, informed response illustrated the life-saving comfort—it stands for care. The sponsorship of Cyclades
A powerful moment of hope: the release of a
presentations and workshops from the four wildlife potential of this program and the dedication of its Care for Wildlife is a chapter in Empiria’s evolving story— rehabilitated European Honey Buzzard during
organizations, learning how to identify and respond growing volunteer network. one where joy is not escapism, but a deeper connection the CPF Islanders’ Forum in Santorini. After
to wildlife emergencies, from injured sea turtles to to life’s fragility and beauty. With initiatives like these, months of care at Alkyoni Wildlife Hospital,
distressed monk seals. They were introduced to A SPONSORSHIP WITH SOUL Empiria doesn’t just set a standard for hospitality. It sets this majestic bird takes flight once more — a
symbol of recovery, coexistence, and our
citizen science tools and encouraged to become Why does this matter to Empiria? Because our mission— a standard for legacy. • shared duty to protect Cycladic wildlife.

8 9