Bidding farewell to 2024, we felt a deep emotion for all the accomplishments achieved over the past eight years. Accomplishments that stem from the unwavering efforts of volunteers, who throughout these years have proven that civil society can provide tangible solutions to the significant challenges we face.
The Blue Municipalities Network, uniting 21 municipalities, has already become a unique and recognized initiative at both the national and European level, while developing substantial projects and shaping strategic action plans for the marine environment. At the same time, 107 initiatives across Greece stand as a testament to the immense effort and countless hours spent on land and sea. These actions have contributed, among other things, to the implementation of numerous research studies and the development of extensive national-level databases. The benefits of educational activities to date are also noteworthy, with 3,500 students participating in our programs in 66 schools across 35 Greek municipalities. Particularly important for our organization is the proven utility of Marine Litter Collection Stations in 19 municipalities in Greece, where 605,000 recyclable materials and 44 tons of fishing gear have been collected so far. Collaborations with international groups and organizations have also proven fruitful, leading to the successful implementation of 15 pilot projects and 3 European programs.
As we say goodbye to 2024, we can only express our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers, as well as to all of you who trusted us and empowered us to achieve these benefits for the marine environment. This strength is our motivation to continue our work with determination into 2025!
