We “returned” to Antiparos, for an online discussion with the active local community of the island. With the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation-ISN and in collaboration with the Antiparos Women’s Association, we organized an online workshop with the participation of representatives of the Municipality, civil society and the fishing community. The extremely interesting presentations and the discussion that followed, gave a clear overview of issues related to the marine environment on the islands.
More specifically, Ms. Kamberi, chemist, oceanographer, researcher of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR), analysed the problems arising from the presence of plastics and microplastics in the sea as well as their impact on marine ecosystems. Mr. Yfantis, chemical engineer, president, and CEO of Sychem, presented the situation regarding drinking water on the islands as well as ways to reduce the use of plastic from bottled water through proper installation and maintenance of desalination and water filtration units.
The presentations were followed by a very interesting discussion where each stakeholder presented their activities. All participants expressed their common will to cooperate in finding more solutions for improving marine environment and once again, the local community reconfirmed their support to the work of the Marine Litter Collection Station. In this context, we committed ourselves in specific action points in the coming period.
It was a successful day and we are looking forward to organising more meetings like that in order to bring together institutions, scientific and local communities for the sustainability of the islands.
