Returning from Astypalea aboard the Triton, with relatively calm seas, our team is now analysing the data collected from the island’s coastal and deep-sea ecosystems. As we process this valuable information, we are also planning our return—this time with a focused marine protection strategy, developed in close collaboration with the local community and municipal authorities.

Our core mission is to close the knowledge gaps surrounding these vulnerable and complex marine habitats. Without a solid scientific understanding, no protection effort can be truly effective.

In a time when many Greek islands face widespread degradation and the rollout of so-called “development” projects—whether labelled as green, blue, or otherwise—Astypalea stands in resistance. The island is actively pursuing long-term, meaningful strategies that go beyond theory and paperwork. These are not top-down contractor-led projects; they are grounded, community-based initiatives. Some examples include:

• Electrification across the board: Beyond municipal fleets and public transport, over 200 privately owned electric vehicles have been introduced, supported by effective incentives and a reliable charging infrastructure.

• Rejecting large-scale industrial wind farms: Instead, the island is pursuing energy autonomy through small-scale renewable energy and battery storage systems—solutions that match the island’s scale and character.

• Protecting against unsustainable tourism development: Astypalea is resisting aggressive investments in large luxury resorts that would undermine its unique identity. Sadly, this destructive model is already taking hold on many other islands.

• Addressing the housing crisis: One of the island’s most progressive initiatives focuses on solving the urgent housing shortage for permanent residents, particularly young families who wish to stay. Infrastructure and incentives are being put in place, and land is being granted under the condition that new homes serve locals, not summer residents or Airbnb listings. This is a bold and replicable move that many other islands should consider.

The housing issue is rapidly worsening across Greece, from remote islands with just 100 residents to the larger, more populated ones. While construction booms, the availability of homes for local people shrinks, forcing the younger generation to leave and accelerating the decline of island communities.

We’ll be sharing more updates soon about the inspiring case of Astypalea. But let’s be clear: real sustainable development starts with protecting our environment and essential natural resources. Without this foundation, there can be no lasting prosperity—only irreversible loss.