A dynamic week of synergy, exchange and active citizenship! In May, as part of the European Erasmus+ programme “Guardians of the Coasts”, Fotoessa hosted in Greece the Portuguese partners Rita Sousa from Aequalitas and Rafaela Fortunato and Beatriz Pereira from Impactrip.
The visit took place in line with the programme's timetable and was the partners' first international transnational meeting in Greece, focusing on coastal protection, free access to beaches, environmental awareness, active citizenship and the exchange of good practices between Greece and Portugal.
During the visit, an extensive series of meetings, discussions and exchanges of experience took place with representatives of the scientific community, local government, environmental organisations, volunteer groups and citizens' movements.
Participants had the opportunity to get a close look at various initiatives and actions related to the protection of the coasts and the marine environment, as well as at the challenges faced by local communities. During the visit, meetings were held with institutional bodies and individuals such as:
🔹 The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), an official supporter of the programme: with its Director, Dr Vasileios Kapsimalis, and the 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.
🔹 Mr Dimitris Papachristou, Mayor of the Municipality of Saronikos, an official supporter of the programme
🔹 Ms Viktoria Simitzi Mykoniati, Deputy Mayor for Tourism of the Municipality of Saronikos
🔹 Mr Iasonas Markantonis, climatologist and environmental activist
🔹 Mr Gavriil Kokkinis, lawyer, President of the Saronikos Municipal Youth Council and member of the “Free Beaches” citizens' movement
🔹 Mr Christos Kotsireas, activist and member of the “Free Beaches” citizens' movement
🔹 Mr Antonis Sifakis, lawyer and activist specialising in environmental law
🔹 Ms Zacharo Frantzeskou, President of the cultural association “Fokaeon Politeia”, an official supporter of the programme
🔹 Ms Anastasia Ioannidou and the group “Young Volunteers in Action in Saronikos”, an official supporter of the programme
🔹 Angeliki Spanea and Giannis Angelakos at the Diveness diving centre, on environmental volunteering and seabed and beach clean-ups
🔹 members and volunteers of the “Free Beaches” movement at the 24-hour watch post at Glystra, Lagonisi
These meetings highlighted the importance of cooperation between citizens, scientists, local government, environmental organisations and social movements for the protection of the coasts and the marine environment.
The “Guardians of the Coasts” programme continues to build bridges of cooperation between Greece and Portugal, promoting active citizen participation, the exchange of experience and the protection of beaches as a public good for common use.
Our beaches:
A common good.
A common responsibility.
A common future.
