Archipelagos - Institute of Marine Conservation

Action for the conservation of the Aegean

Archipelagos, Institute of Marine Conservation, is a Greek non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to conservation of the marine and terrestrial environments of the Greek seas and islands. Archipelagos has been active since 1998 in several parts of the Greek seas (Ionian, Sporades, Central Aegean, Lybian and Eastern Aegean). Since 2000, Archipelagos' field of action has focused on the eastern Aegean. Our main terrestrial research base is located on the island of Ikaria and our main marine research base is on the island of Samos, while we also provide research stations in 3 islets of the eastern Aegean.

Archipelagos also provides two research sailing boats Pinelopi and Nireas, as well as 2 small speedboats, for marine research and conservation work. These vessels are able to operate even in the difficult weather conditions of the winter. In this way we are able to extend our activities throughout the Greek seas and NE Mediterranean overall.

Archipelagos combines scientific research with efficient conservation work in which local communities share an active part.

The work of Archipelagos is divided into two main fields:

1. Marine wildlife conservation: covering fields such as marine mammals, fisheries, coastal ecosystems, oceanographic research, as well as water quality and pollution assessment.

2. Terrestrial wildlife conservation: covering fields such as island fauna and flora, the creation of the Aegean Seed Bank for the preservation of local varieties of agricultural plants, and pollution and human impact assessments and management.

At Archipelagos we use the scientific knowledge we gain to (1) develop and apply, in collaboration with the local authorities, pilot management and conservation schemes, protecting habitats and species of the Aegean Sea – schemes that can later be applied in other regions of the Greek seas and the NE Mediterranean overall, (2) launch environmental actions and campaigns at local, national and EU levels, and (3) inform local communities, the wider Greek public and tourists how to better preserve and actively protect their natural resources. We also directly work to stop human behaviors that are destructive to the Aegean, such as illegal fishing practices, explosions at sea, waste dumping, maritime pollution and overgrazing causing erosion.

In addition, Archipelagos produces and distributes environmental awareness and educational materials, such as web-based materials, videos, animations, posters and flyers.

HOW WE WORK
Archipelagos operates away from city centers and commercial interests, offering a pure, direct approach to environmental conservation actions in Greece.

The research team works in the field throughout the year, directly in the environments we strive to protect. Despite adverse weather conditions that can occur, especially in the winter months, the team's enthusiasm and commitment to environmental conservation, enable us to conduct valuable research and achieve notable results. We carry out scientific research by means of laboratory work, fieldwork, research expeditions and other methods of study.

ABOUT OUR TEAM
At Archipelagos’ research bases are housed scientists, experts and students who work (mostly on a volunteer basis) on projects throughout the year. Activists from Greece and other European and Mediterranean countries also work closely with Archipelagos on particular projects. At any one time, approximately 25- 65 people can be seen working at our bases and representing a rich network of environmental specialties, backgrounds, countries and skills.

Archipelagos has collaborations with universities and research institutes in Greece, UK, France, Romania, Turkey and Puerto Rico. Scientists from various other institutions also collaborate on our projects.