Conclusion of the 1st Greek Seagrass Forum in Athens
The 1st Greek Seagrass Forum (April 28–30, 2026) has come to a close, leaving behind a strong legacy of collaboration, knowledge, and a shared commitment to protecting the seagrass meadows of Greece and the Mediterranean, both in the sea and along the coast, with a focus on Posidonia meadows. The Greek Seagrass Forum was attended by representatives of 62 organizations from Greece and abroad, including 27 Greek and international organizations, 10 companies active in the tourism sector, 11 institutional and public bodies, 7 research and academic institutions, 3 municipalities, and 4 schools.
The Greek Seagrass Forum was organized by the Greek Islands Seagrass Alliance (GISA), with the support of the project partners, namely the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF, coordinator), the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (ELKETHE), the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), the Ionian Environment Foundation (IEF), the Argosaronic Environment Foundation (AEF), and the environmental organization Aenaos Thalassa, with funding from the Seacology Foundation. Alongside the scientific contribution of ELKETHE, which is a common partner in all programs, the contribution of the Mediterranean Blue Forests programs was also particularly significant, coordinated by WWF Greece, which focuses on anchorage management issues, as well as the Interreg Euro-MED ARTEMIS program, coordinated by Green Tank, which focuses on the restoration of degraded seagrass beds.
One of the Forum’s most important messages was that conservation cannot remain merely theoretical. Civil society organizations presented initiatives that bridge the gap between science, local engagement, and everyday practice. At the same time, initiatives by the IEF and the AEF highlighted the importance of collaboration at the local level, while examples from Poros, Crete, and other regions demonstrated that, even in environments under intense pressure, awareness and participation can lead to tangible results. The “bottom-up” approach emerged as a critical success factor.
The “1st” in front of the Greek Seagrass Forum is not merely a number, but a clear intention. The ambition of the organizers, partners of the GISA program, is for the Forum to become an established institution and to continue taking place in the coming years, steadily strengthening dialogue and cooperation. The goal is for the next event to take place within the next four years, building on the experience gained and further expanding participation through collaboration—if not co-organization—with other initiatives.
