May 2026: As part of the first transnational meeting of the European Erasmus+ project Guardians of the Coasts (Φύλακες των Ακτών), the Fotoessa team and our partners from Portugal had the honour of visiting the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) and meeting its Director, Dr Vasileios Kapsimalis, and scientists Dr Alexandra Gogou, Research Director at the Institute of Oceanography; Dr Maria Salomidi, Biologist – Oceanographer – Researcher and Scientific Diver at the HCMR Institute of Oceanography; Dr Stylianos Petrakis, Geologist – Oceanographer at HCMR; and Dr Konstantinos Tsirintanis, Research Associate at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. The meeting was an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience on the current challenges facing the coastal areas of the Mediterranean and the role that active citizens can play in protecting them.
During the meeting, important scientific data were presented on coastal erosion, the impacts of climate change and human interventions, the need to protect marine ecosystems and the importance of evidence-based environmental policy. Particular emphasis was placed on Posidonia (Posidonia oceanica), one of the most important ecosystems in the Mediterranean, which plays a decisive role in maintaining biodiversity, capturing carbon dioxide and protecting the coasts from erosion. Participants also learned about the impact that inappropriate beach-cleaning practices can have, especially when heavy machinery is used that removes natural materials acting as a natural defence for the coastline.
One of the key conclusions of the meeting was that scientific knowledge must be translated into understandable information and practical tools for citizens and local authorities. Protecting the coasts is not solely the responsibility of scientists or public bodies; it requires the participation of society as a whole. As was aptly said during the discussion, “Knowledge is power” and “We must be active citizens every day and in every respect”.
The project partners also discussed the next steps of the project, which include educational workshops in Greece and Portugal, awareness-raising activities, the production of information materials and the creation of a practical guide for citizens who wish to play an active part in protecting the coasts and our shared natural resources.
The meeting confirmed the importance of cooperation between scientific institutions, local government and civil society organisations. Such synergies create the conditions for more informed, participatory and effective management of coastal areas, with the aim of preserving them for future generations.
Fotoessa warmly thanks HCMR and its scientists for their hospitality, their time and their valuable contribution to the success of the project.
Our beaches: A common good. A shared responsibility. A shared future.
