The new main research base of Archipelagos Institute started operating in April 2023 and is located on the North coast of Samos, in the village of Agios Konstantinos. The base will be continually developed for the next year, with the aim that it becomes a green model facility.
The building, with a total of 1000 square meters, houses both the working and the living areas. There are indoor and outdoor office areas, a presentation room as well as the accommodation facility which comprises 18 rooms and an outdoor eating area.
With a clear strategy to gradually reduce efficiently the carbon and plastic footprint of the base, we have already achieved our first goal to be largely self-sufficient producing most of the vegetables and fruits the team consumes in the organic garden situated next to the base. All team members are encouraged to help in our organic garden.
Archipelagos’ base in Agios Konstantinos is within the small village, only a few hundreds of meters from the sea, while it is at a walking distance from cafes, restaurants, a small shop and a pharmacy and amazing hiking paths!
The new base is surrounded by a very rich terrestrial biodiversity that Archipelagos teams are surveying in order to better understand this understudied environment and its ecosystems that reach 1100m of altitude. This base offers direct access to the trench of Ikaria - Samos island that reaches 1400m depth, enabling research in these important marine habitats, cetacean populations and other important biodiversity of the deep waters.
Samos is a Greek island in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea. It is facing the Turkish coastline, and their closest point is only 1.6 km away. It is a historical island, with ancient heritage and important archeological sites. In antiquity, it was home to prominent figures such as the mathematician Pythagoras, the storyteller Aesop, the philosopher Epicurus and the astronomer Aristarchus. Today Samos is characterized by its rare natural wealth, both at land and sea. It is the only island of the Mediterranean that supports populations of golden jackals and the only place in Greece where Mediterranean chameleons still survive. The marine ecosystems around Samos are equally important, as they contain Posidonia seagrass meadows, coralligenous reefs and considerable populations of rare, endangered marine mammals and turtles.
Main Research Base
Accomodation facility 1
Archipelagos’ operates a small research station close to the small town of Pythagorio, in the settlement of Mesokampos, on the southeastern part of Samos island. It is multifunctional since it supports marine and terrestrial research and conservation activities. It is a simple research station facility with office spaces and dormitory-style rooms for accommodation, kitchen and eating areas, as well as a presentation room.
The building is situated just a few minutes away from the beach with a beautiful view facing the coast of Turkey and the national park of the Dilek Peninsula. The Psili Ammos salt marsh, a protected Natura 2000 site, is located a few kilometers away and supports important migratory and resident bird populations, as well as other wildlife. Within a close distance from Archipelagos’ base lies Pythagorio, an ancient town with a 2,500-year-old harbor filled with brightly colored fishing boats. While in Pythagorio, one can find a wide range of cafes, restaurants, taverns and shops. From here several historical sites can be accessed, including the ancient temple of the goddess Hera, the Tunnelof Eupalinos and the Archaeological Museum of Pythagorio.
Samos is a Greek island in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea. It is facing the Turkish coastline, and their closest point is only 1.6 km away. It is a historical island, with ancient heritage and important archeological sites. In antiquity, it was home to prominent figures such as the mathematician Pythagoras, the storyteller Aesop, the philosopher Epicurus and the astronomer Aristarchus. Today Samos is characterized by its rare natural wealth, both at land and sea. It is the only island of the Mediterranean that supports populations of golden jackals and the only place in Greece where Mediterranean chameleons still survive. The marine ecosystems around Samos are equally important, as they contain Posidonia seagrass meadows, coralligenous reefs and considerable populations of rare, endangered marine mammals and turtles.
Fisheries & Coastal Ecosystem Research Base
Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary
On the island of Lipsi Archipelagos works for the creation of the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary. The sanctuary itself is situated 5km from Lipsi town on the NW of Lipsi Island, within a highly biodiverse fjord-like bay. The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary when completed and operating, will function with three parallel aims: as an innovative rehabilitation centre for marine mammals and turtles, as a site for the long-term care of dolphins that are rescued from captivity, but also as a coastal ecology research centre where numerous important experiments and research activities take place.
The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary building is being developed to be a model self-sufficient building. It is powered by solar panels, and will soon also have a solar-powered desalination system to cover the water-supply needs of the building. The AMLS has great support from the local community and authorities in Lipsi, but also from a growing international network of experts giving us the assurance we need to see this project to fruition with multiple aspects of innovation.
For the teams working on site, a small supporting facility is provided in Lipsi town with simple office space and dormitory-style rooms for accommodation. The base provides a kitchen and an outdoor communal area.
Lipsi Island is recognised as one of the most green islands of the Mediterranean, as it is being awarded as one of the best recycling systems, while the local authorities are carrying out several important initiatives to reduce the plastic footprint of the island. Apart from the 800 permanent inhabitants, the population of the Island booms during summertime, as many tourists and seasonal visitors are attracted to the beautiful landscapes, numerous small beaches, hospitable community and rich marine life.
Forestry & Agronomy Research Base
The research station in Ikaria island functions occasionally when there are projects running on the island. It is located in the settlement of Kastanies, Rahes, within a traditional village community. Offices, a small laboratory, a computer room and a meeting room are provided, while wi-fi internet can be accessed throughout.
Additionally, an online meteorological station and AIS receiver station are installed in the base. Dormitory style accommodation and kitchen facilities with a biomass heating unit are also available. The base borders a small-scale agricultural land, a pine forest and stream valleys with an amazing view.
Ιkaria is a very special island of the Aegean, with spectacular river valleys, beautiful beaches, traditional villages and very hospitable local community. The island is characterized by a unique natural environment with a rare combination of Mediterranean ecosystems. It is mountainous with many streams and lakes, as well as large, diverse forests. The marine environment of the region supports populations of many protected species, while the littoral zone boasts rich and diverse ecosystems. Ikaria has a population of roughly 8,400 inhabitants, many of them following the traditional island way of life. The main livelihoods are agriculture, bee-keeping, livestock farming and, to a lesser degree, fisheries. Tourism is also important for the economy of the island.
Coastal Biodiversity Research Stations
The station on the small islet of Marathi is housed in a small environmental observatory provided by the Municipality of Patmos. Archipelagos’ research teams use this research station for short duration surveys or overnight stays.
The small island Marathi, is permanently inhabited by only 3-5 people. The station is predominantly used by Archipelagos’ teams for littoral ecosystem research or when the marine mammal research team spend the night in the station when in between surveys. The surrounding area is unique because of its pristine natural environment, with almost no anthropogenic impact and rich marine biodiversity. It is a perfect location for studying and experiencing pure nature.
The area is a part of the “Permanent Wildlife Refuge of Arki Island Complex & N. Patmos Islets”, which consists of 14 isles in the Patmos region. It was established by the Greek authorities in 2004, based on biodiversity research carried out by Archipelagos in cooperation with the local community, the Municipality of Patmos, and the South Aegean District.