Archipelagos Institute in Astypalaia

Early this morning, Naftilos, a research vessel of the Institute of Marine Conservation "Archipelagos", set sail for Astypalaia in the SE Aegean. We were invited to the island by the Municipality of Astypalaia, which we are in close cooperation with on numerous environmental issues, to take part in a very useful environmental meeting organized by

Our plastic footprint in our seas

Two images of our plastic footprint in our seas: – A turtle attempting to swim among plastic debris washed into the sea after the first rainfall. – A rubbish bin which could be situated almost anywhere in Greece. This is an image which should insult all civilians who see this every day, but the power

The Devaluation of the Greek Islands: Pserimos

Pserimos is a small island between Kos and Kalymnos, 4.5 miles off the coast of the Eastern Mediterranean, where its remaining permanent inhabitants stands at just around 25. Pserimos is considered a small Aegean diamond with fertile land and up until now with a lively sea. However, it is another typical example of the government’s

Koufonisia Classical Music Festival 2020 supports the conservation efforts of Archipelagos-Institute

Koufonisia Classical Music Festival 2020 supports the conservation efforts of Archipelagos-Institute of Marine Conservation and more specifically, the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary that is currently under construction on the island of Lipsi. With the aim of cultural decentralization, Koufonisia Classical Music Festival 2020  is being held for the 5th consecutive year, from July 19th to

The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

It was a great honor but also great moral support for all those who comprise Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation to be granted the Efkranti Award “Marilena Laskaridi” for the naval culture excellence and for the support to the Hellenic nautical heritage and tradition. The Efkanti award ceremony was carried out for the 12th successive

Ignorance of Nature: The Greatest Risk for Wildlife Survival

The last established population of Mediterranean Chameleons in Greece (Chameleo chameleon), still survives until today on the island on Samos. In previous decades this species also survived in Chios and Crete, while today we do not know if there are viable populations of the species on these islands. Chameleons, in most parts of the world

The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

Yesterday, during the President of the Republic’s visit to the remote islands of Agathonisi and Lipsi, Mrs Katerina Sakellaropoulou visited the research vessel, Aegean Explorer.             During her meeting with Archipelagos Institute’s directors and heads of research, she was informed of Archipelagos’ actions and work over the past two decades,

The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary

The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary is a pioneering initiative which is expected to serve multiple important functions on the eastern Aegean island of Leipsoi. From treatment for sick and injured sea creatures to advanced scientific and environmental research, the sanctuary will also apply best practices in order to minimize its environmental footprint. The project is

The Devaluation of the Greek Islands

By Thodoris Tsimpidis Director of Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation The original article in Greek was published in https://www.efsyn.gr/nisides/246495_i-apaxiosi-ton-ellinikon-nision Translation in English by Jennifer Barclay The Devaluation of the Greek Islands The story of a catastrophe – from autonomy to absolute dependence Have we ever asked ourselves how, within a few years,our islands were transformed

The Research Boat “Naftilos”

Until a few years ago “Naftilos” was a decommissioned sailboat which was largely damaged. Today, after its reconstruction by Archipelagos Institute, it has become a valuable means for marine mammals research in the Mediterranean. “Naftilos” is not an ordinary sailing boat. It was built in Belgium 40 years ago as a “one-off” construction with special