In the sparkling waters surrounding the Greek island of Alonissos, volunteer divers plunge beneath the surface to retrieve debris from the seabed — everything from crumbling plastic bottles to abandoned tires and rusted chains. Their efforts are part of a cleanup campaign funded by the European Union, aimed at safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Alonissos, known for its turquoise waters and vibrant marine biodiversity, is nestled within Europe’s largest marine protected area. Established in the early 1990s, the marine park is a sanctuary for over 300 species of fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and one of the last populations of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
Despite its protected status, the region is not immune to the widespread pollution affecting the Mediterranean Sea, which is inundated with tens of thousands of tons of waste annually. This growing threat has prompted action from both local residents and visitors, who are becoming more attuned to the importance of preserving marine habitats.
In response to mounting environmental concerns, Greece has pledged to expand its network of marine parks, with plans to establish two additional protected zones in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. These initiatives are part of a broader 780 million euro ($887.5 million) plan that includes stricter regulation of tourism, fishing, and energy exploration in coastal waters. The country has committed to designating 30% of its territorial waters as marine protected areas by 2030.
George Sarelakos, head of the environmental organization Aegean Rebreath, which coordinated the cleanup, emphasized the role of individual action in driving change. “We believe deeply in personal responsibility,” he said. “People everywhere should know that they have the power to make a difference.”
It has been suggested that Alonissos could serve as a model for sustainable island stewardship. “If every island showed the same commitment to protecting its environment, we’d see many more success stories like Alonissos.”
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