Save the Aegean
Overview
Save the Aegean is an initiative of Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation that aims to form an alliance between environmentalists, scientists, businesses, and consumers.
Our shared goal is to work on an effective reduction of the environmental footprint of our daily life, which is having detrimental consequences on our planet and its seas.
Save the Aegean aims to contribute to the protection and preservation of the Aegean Sea’s rare biodiversity, by addressing knowledge gaps via research and raising awareness, as well as implementing effective conservation actions.
One aspect of this initiative includes the development and promotion of new products that are truly eco-friendly.
Consumers
Within Save the Aegean, consumers are given the opportunity to shape what products are available to them. By being the demand that triggers the supply, They have the power to influence companies to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly products. Save the Aegean is a platform that further facilitates the ability to reduce personal environmental footprints, while also being valued by businesses that prioritize sustainability.
Companies
Through cooperation with Save the Aegean, companies are able to improve both their products and impact on the environment by offering consumers eco-friendly alternatives. By doing so they will simultaneously campaign to the public the importance of environmentally conscious decisions in the purchasing of every-day products. In addition, they will be supporting targeted actions for the protection and conservation of the Aegean Sea through donations from product sales.
Actions supported by "Save the Aegean"
Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary
The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary, currently under construction on the island of Lipsi, aims to be the first-of-its-kind veterinary clinic and rehabilitation center for marine life. This site will provide expert care to wild dolphins, monk seals and sea turtles as well as offer a solution-based long-term care facility for dolphins displaced due to the closure of European dolphinarias. The building and bay additionally offer grounds for innovative research and education for the Archipelagos team and collaborative partners.
Marine Mammal Conservation
Marine mammal research and conservation has been a focus for the Archipelagos Institute since its establishment. Our work in this field aims to fill important knowledge gaps on the population distribution of marine mammals, whilst recording and understanding the key factors that impact the survival of these populations. This includes assessments of the effect of fisheries interactions, depletion of prey stocks, shipping traffic and pollution (plastic, chemical and noise).
Replanting the Forests of Our Seas
The ongoing destruction of Posidonia seagrass meadows is having detrimental effects to fisheries, tourism and the seas' ability to mitigate climate change. After 3 years of experimental research, Archipelagos Institute, with the help of Save the Aegean, has initiated action to restore these important habitats. Through planting of Posidonia oceanica fragments, our team hopes to effectively contribute to the natural regeneration of the degraded seagrass meadows.
