Save the Greek Rivers Tour 2007. Our effort to protect the last free flowing river-gems in Greece, from the fast growing threat of hydroelectric works, led us to highlight the best 40 paddleable rivers, trying to show that there is a real potential for a gentle and eco-friendly development, in the river areas, based on paddling and outdoors activity tourism. The 40 rivers petition - an online petition to showcase the need to protect the best 40 rivers, has been signed by many of you, friends of the Greek rivers and we thank you for that. A petition, signed by 400 Greek River Friends, was officialy submitted to the authorities, by March 14th - the international day of action against river dams, asking for the exception of these 40 river diamonds from the hydroelectric plans. In the next weeks, with the help of many paddling groups from all around Europe, we managed to tour around Greece, visiting most of the river places and informing the local authorities and visitors, about the threataning situation. In the following pages you will see a small report of the 40 rivers tour.

Our first gathering was at Evritania perfecture, at the rivers around Karpenissi. With friends from Germany and Austria, we started our paddling protest, on April 8, at Trikeriotis river, a river threatened by at least three dams. A multi-ethnic fleet of 14 kayaks, 1 2-person HotDog and 1 8-person raft, ran the beautiful river, to end just before the big artificial lake of Kremasta dam. Our excellent team work was proved in the muddy hills of the take out point, where paddlers from 3 nations were trying to pushl the cars up the road, after a short but intense rain that made the access roads difficult for the non 4x4 vehicles. Walter's snow chains were proved handy!

The gorge entrance of Trikeriotis, at the confluence of Krikelopotamos and Karpenisiotis.

Barbara Reisner at Trikeriotis and Austrian team's camp at the confluence.

Below the camps of the Greek and the German groups

Birgit and friends at breakfast time.

Following Report: Krikelopotamos River