The underwater landfill of Andros
In the island of Andros in 2011, there was a collapse of an illegal landfill situated in the Stavropeda area, around 160m above sea level and 850m from the nearest shore. The collapse resulted in huge quantities of waste being spread in the seabed of the nearby area as well as across the Aegean Sea. The waste quickly traveled across the Aegean and beyond. By that time, no initiatives or drastic measures were taken and, as a result, the now underwater landfill remained an invisible issue.
In 2019, a group of divers from our organization, while on a research and assessment mission, accidentally discovered the deposits of the sunk landfill and recorded the size of the disaster, attracting the interest of the media that further highlighted this issue both at national and international levels. The audiovisual footage from the seabed was shocking to watch and caused anger and disappointment to everyone, since no decision had been taken whatsoever to deal with this permanent pollution site. During the same period, Aegean Rebreath coordinated the initial mapping process of the polluted area. In the following years, our organization made numerous efforts to secure resources that would allow the engagement of research and educational institutions in order to conduct the necessary study for the decontamination and restoration of the area. These efforts proved to be ineffective.
In 2023, Aegean Rebreath renewed its efforts to map the area. Thanks to the generous donation of Nina Schnabel, a long-time visitor to our country, our organization revisited the area and, in collaboration with specialized companies, proceeded with the complete mapping of the submerged landfill, identifying the boundaries of the polluted area. Subsequently, a study was developed presenting the findings and the necessary data to enable the planning for the restoration of the area. This study was submitted to local authorities and relevant ministries. This event mobilized the central administration, which initiated the development of a specific plan for the restoration of the area in collaboration with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and our organization. At this stage, the relevant planning is progressing according to the initial timelines.
