Lesvos, a destination with authentic beauty and rich tradition, is also emerging as a model of sustainable development. In Petra, at the “Stelios Pavlis” Cultural Center, an event on sustainable marine management was recently held, organized by Healing Lesvos in collaboration with the University of the Aegean.
The initiative brought together scientists, professional fishermen, local government representatives and residents, creating a lively dialogue on the future of the sea. The Professional Fishermen’s Association openly expressed its support, setting the tone for a new path that connects tradition with sustainability.
Special mention was made of the “GhostNetFree Ocean” project, through which abandoned nets were removed from the seabed of Northern Lesvos. This example demonstrated in practice that the cooperation of local communities, volunteers and organizations can yield tangible results, strengthening the image of the island as a “green” destination.
The professor of Marine Biology at the University of the Aegean, Dr. Drosos Koutsoubas, highlighted the importance of marine biodiversity, noting that marine protected areas are not only an environmental necessity, but also an opportunity for the development of ecotourism in Lesvos. Studies have already been launched that aim to map the ecological value of the area and propose modern management practices.
The fishermen themselves, for their part, took an active role in the discussion, proposing restrictions on specific tools and better waste management, pointing out that the protection of the sea is a matter that concerns everyone.
