For World Ocean Day on 8th June, the volunteers of the Zakynthos project had planned a special event to raise awareness about the threats to the Greek shoreline. Visitors of Crystal Beach in Kalamaki were invited to show their support for this cause by having their photo taken with the #aigialosSOS sign and had the opportunity to write a personal message in their picture.

#aigialosSOS is the joint social media action of Greek NGOs to stop the passing of a law that would have allowed the privatization of public beaches all over the country for the sake of “development”. ARCHELON along with the other NGOs taking part in the campaign believes that beaches are a common heritage of all Greeks and their visitors. “Unspoilt and beautiful!”, “I like the natural beauty of the beach. No buildings. Save the turtles”,” Save some space for nature!”, “I love this beach peaceful” were only some of the messages that our supporters showed on their pictures. Preserving the natural beaches that host unique Greek wildlife is not only essential for biodiversity conservation, but also for the long-term economic development of the country.

Especially on Zakynthos, the contrast between the nesting beaches protected by the National Marine Park and West Laganas Beach, that is dominated by bars and night clubs, illustrates the effects of unsustainable development. This beach has not only lost its turtles, but also its unique Zakynthian spirit that draws thousands of visitors to this island every year.

Fortunately that suggested law has been withdrawn thanks to the pressure from the public. Still, the Greek coastline remains threatened as long as people who are willing to sacrifice the opportunities of future generations for short term development plans.

On 08th of June, the volunteers spoke to 500 people about the threats to the Greek coastline at their information table, on boat trips, during their morning surveys. 120 photos were taken to support the #aigialosSOS action. The vounteers also performed a marine clean this day, picking up rubbish from the seafloor in the Bay of Laganas. We would like to thank all our volunteers as well as everyone who took part in our event for their enthusiasm and support!

Rike Stramm
Zakynthos Project