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.

The common goal is working towards an effective reduction of environmental footprint caused by our daily life, which is having detrimental repercussions on our planet at its seas.

Save the Aegean aims to contribute to the protection and preservation of the Aegean Sea’s rare biodiversity, through filling in knowledge gaps via research and awareness raising, as well as through the implementation of 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 have a greater say towards what products are available to them. By being the demand that triggers the supply, the poser to request sustainable and environmentally friendly products lies in the hands of the consumers. Save the Aegean is a platform that further facilitates the ability to reduce personal environmental footprints, while having their desire to do so valued by businesses.

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. 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. Assessments include the impact of fisheries interactions, depletion of prey stocks, shipping traffic and pollution (plastic, chemical and noise).

Replanting the Forests of Our Seas

The continued destruction of Posidonia seagrass meadows is posing detrimental effects to fisheries, tourism and the seas ability to mitigate climate change. After 3 years of experimental application 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.