For the second consecutive year, Amorgos has been transformed into a center for speleological and geological research, thanks to the "Amorgos Cave Expedition 2025", which took place in September on the Cycladic island.

This year, four previously unknown caves were discovered and mapped, revealing the island's remarkable geological history, while the team continued the exploration of a 132-meter-deep cave -the deepest one in the Cyclades- discovered during last year's mission. The cave, discovered thanks to information provided by a French hiker from Amorgos, has been named "Vothonas tou Gallou", meaning "The Frenchman's chasm" in the local Greek dialect.

During this year's expedition, another impressive part of this cave was discovered. The very low concentrations of carbon dioxide measured inside the cave led speleologists to believe that it has other entrances connecting to the outside, rather than just one.

The four caves discovered this year are vertical chasms called vothones in to the local dialect of Amorgos, with depths ranging from 28 to 62 meters. The caves are of significant geological and speleological interest, with varied and impressive geological formations inside. Overall, Amorgos is an island rich in caves, with more than 25 known caves, but there is evidence of numerous more unexplored caves.

The team that participated in the mission mapped and photographed the four new caves in detail using state-of-the-art technology and collected data on the microclimatology and hydrology of the caves, radon and carbon dioxide, while also recording the presence of fossils of animal species that were probably endemic. It is clear that the discovery of these four new caves provides crucial information about the geological history and groundwater of Amorgos.

The expedition brought together 17 scientists from the School of Geology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, along with speleologists and amateur cave explorers from all over Greece, particularly Thessaloniki, the Peloponnese, Kavala, Athens, and Crete. Much of their time there was spent making contact with and gathering information from the locals: since the caves are difficult to locate due to their often hidden access points, the team needed the help of locals, who were willing to report the existence of unexplored caves.

This year's mission was particularly ambitious. Participants methodically catalogued new caves, cleaned up the "Vothonas tou Chora" (Cave of Chora, the island’s capital), and carried out valuable geological studies that highlight the unique nature of the island's geological heritage. All of this is part of a systematic research effort, which, with the support of the municipality of Amorgos, protects the island's natural wealth.

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Caves of Greece; Caves of Kastania and Agios Nikolaos Geopark; The spectacular Diros Caves

Translated from the original article from Grèce Hebdo (Main source of information, intro photo: Athens – Macedonian News Agency)

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Located in the Ionian Sea and easily accessible from the mainland, Lefkada boasts a rich history as well as spectacular natural landscapes. It is not just a sun and beach destination, but a place where time seems to have stood still, inviting the perceptive traveler to explore its essence and authenticity in depth.

Among it many features, you will find picturesque villages, lush vegetation, churches and monasteries, idyllic coves with crystal-clear waters, crowded or hidden beaches a rich cultural heritage and the locals’ hospitality.

Lefkada is surrounded by a total of twenty-four islets, including the legendary Skorpios, Onassis family’s private island. The island is connected to the coast of Central Greece by a 50-meter floating bridge, which operates on a rotating platform, thus allowing cars to cross over easily (and moving aside several times a day to allow boats pass through the narrow Lefkada Channel).

A brief history

The word Lefkada derives from the Greek adjective lefkos, meaning “white”. The whole of the island is believed to be probably named after Cape Lefkata (also known as Cape Doukato), on the southernmost point of the island. The cape, in its tun, is widely believed to take its name from its great white cliffs overlooking the sea. Legend has it that the iconic Ancient Greek poetess Sappho threw herself to her death from those cliffs. Hence another name for this place is “the Lady’s leap” or “the Lady’s Cape”.

Following extensive excavations at various locations on the island, German archaeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld (1853 –1940), a pioneer of stratigraphic excavation, had even proposed Lefkada as the actual basis of the Homeric Ithaca (a place identified by most archaeologists with either modern-day Ithaca or Kefalonia / Cephalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands).

Like most Greek islands, Lefkada has witnessed several civilizations, from Ancient Greek and Roman, to Eastern Roman (Byzantine), Ottoman, Venetian and more. Its strategic location, which allowed it to control the sea routes between the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas for much of the Middle Ages, made it a recurring target for the powers in the area.

It should be noted that the rest of the Ionian Islands had gradually (from the mid-14th century until the start of the 16th century) become overseas possessions of the Republic of Venice, having been under Ottoman rule for little or no time – unlike the rest of Greece.

Lefkada, however, had come under Venetian rule in 1204, under the name Santa Maura, (following the Fourth Crusade and the partition of the Byzantine Empire) only to be later ceded to Italian noble families and then captured by the Ottomans in 1479. The island was once again conquered by the Venetians in 1684. Under their rule, advanced farming techniques were introduced, especially in viticulture and oil production.

The Republic of Venice also established a more stable administrative system and promoted maritime trade. Lefkada became a prosperous agricultural center and a link between the western and eastern Mediterranean. During this period, the island experienced a remarkable cultural flourishing. Venetian influence introduced new architectural forms and artistic styles. Religious brotherhoods and cultural societies also became established, shaping the urban character of the capital.

Following the Fall of the Republic of Venice at the hands of Bonaparte in May 1797, the Ionian Islands came under the possession of the French Republic and in 1800 they became a Russo-Ottoman protectorate known as the Septinsular Republic. Recaptured by the French in 1807 and then by the British in 1810, the Ionian islands were eventually ceded to Greece in 1864 under the Treaty of London.

Important sites

The various cultures that have shaped the island’s history have naturally also left their mark on its topography. This is particularly obvious in the island’s most notable landmark, the Castle of Santa Maura (or Agia Mavra, in Greek), a fortress on its northeastern tip, on one of its islets, close to the site where it is connected to the mainland. It was created as a small fortification in the early 1300s, by the count palatine Orsini who then ruled Lefkada, and then was extended by its subsequent ruler. The city of Santa Maura/ Agia Mavra, created inside the castle, became the island’s capital and remained so during Lefkada’s Ottoman rule, during which it was virtually rebuilt and fortified, while an aqueduct had also been constructed, greatly improving living conditions for the locals.

Under the subsequent Venetian rule, the castle was further restored and modernized, while the capital was moved to the nearby site of the modern city of Lefkada. The castle also bears marks of the British occupation. In the 20^th century, it was briefly used to shelter Greek refugees from Asia Minor (following the Greco-Turkish War of 1919–1922). Later, when the fortress was abandoned, most buildings within its walls were demolished.

The most important monument from the antiquity, on the other hand, is located in the heart of the ancient city of Lefkada: an ancient theater, established before the end of the 7th century BC, making it the oldest of its kind in the Ionian Islands. This important sight hadn’t been uncovered until recently. Until 2015, very little was known about the theater, and what we did know came from the work carried out in 1901 by E. Kruger, a collaborator of W. Dörpfeld.

According to the Ministry of Culture, the location of the theater was once more identified in 1997 by the Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities; the only systematic excavation on the island – since the major digs undertaken by W. Dörpfeld – began in 2017, with the express purpose of uncovering the theater. The site lies about 3 km south of the modern city of Lefkada, on the northeastern slope of Koulmos hill. The process was particularly challenging, as it involved removing earth and trees, and deconstructing newer structures. It is believed that it was used during the height of ancient Lefkada's economic and cultural popularity, but later fell into disuse during the Roman period.

Culture

Every summer, Lefkada hosts various artistic events. The Lefkas international Folklore Festival has been running since 1962, bringing together dance and music groups from around the world and flooding the streets with vibrant parades. The Festival of Lefkadian Gastronomy in July celebrates local products, while in August the Lentil Festival of Eglouvi features traditional dishes accompanied by music and dance.

The island's musical tradition is equally remarkable. The Lefkada Philharmonic, founded in 1850, is the second oldest musical society in Greece and performed in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The castle of Santa Maura also hosts various cultural events.

Religious heritage also plays an important role. The Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, founded in 1634, is both a historical and spiritual landmark, with a library that houses valuable manuscripts from the 15th to 18th centuries. For centuries, it has been the religious center of the island as the oldest and largest monastery. Its patronal festival is celebrated on the Monday of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost Monday) with pilgrims flocking from all over Lefkada and the surrounding areas.

Beaches

Among the island’s most famous features are its beautiful beaches, with turquoise or deep blue waters – like something out of a postcard. Arriving from the mainland, Kastro and Ammoglossa are the first stops: quiet beaches with fine sand and easy access, perfect for those looking for convenience close to the capital.

For water sports enthusiasts, Lefkada is a paradise. Agios Ioannis-Miloi and Vasiliki are ideal for surfing and windsurfing, while Agiofili invites you to discover an underwater world perfect for snorkeling. Kathisma stands out for its beach bars, restaurants, and the possibility of paragliding over a spectacular scenery. Porto Katsiki and Egremni, on the other hand, catch your eye with breathtaking views of impressive cliffs over white sand and sapphire waters; they are both accessible either by boat or by walking down their famous metal staircases.

Apart from these renowned beaches, you can discover a lot of hidden gems around the island, such as Afteli, Avali, Kavalikefta, and Megali Petra, while Ammousa, Mikros Gialos, and Ligia stand out for their easy access, also being accessible to people with reduced mobility. Finally, it should be noted that Lefkada’s mountains are the source of numerous waterfalls. One prominent example is the Dimosari Waterfall near the town of Nydri (hence also known as Nydri Waterfall).

Based on the original article which appeared on Pamorama Griego (Into image: Porto Katsiki beach by Thierry via flickr)

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Discover Greece’s Waterfalls; Greek mountains – a place for year-round tourism; Andros, the “Little England” of the Cyclades

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Andros is the second largest island of the Cyclades, and one of the greenest ones, especially compared to the characteristic rocky landscape of most islands in the group. Continuously inhabited since the 4th millennium BC, it has a remarkable maritime and cultural tradition.

The island’s natural beauty -with dense vegetation, rivers and waterfalls making it a hiker’s paradise- is complimented by picturesque cobbled streets and neoclassical stately homes, especially in its capital, Chora.

History of Andros

Thanks to its geographical position, Andros has held a strategic position in almost every age. Recent excavations at Cape Strofilas have revealed a prehistoric site belonging to the Late Neolithic period (4500 - 3200 BC), with numerous rock paintings. The site has been described as the most important of this period and the best preserved in the Aegean.

In classical times, the capital of Andros was Paleopolis. It is thought that there were some 50 settlements around it, and the prosperity of this period is also attested by the wealth of coins discovered there. The Archaeological Museum of Andros, located in Chora, houses findings of this sort, as well as “the Hermes of Andros”, a marble life-size statue (a Roman copy of a work of Praxiteles) discovered in Paleopolis.

From the 11^th-12th century, Andros experienced great development. It became known around the world, thanks to its booming silk production and a growing merchant navy. During the Fourth Crusade, the island was taken over by Franks on their way to attack Constantinople. As a part of the Latin Empire (1204-1261), Andros was handed over to the Republic of Venice. It would eventually be taken over by the Ottomans in 1537.

Until the establishment of the modern Greek state, Andros’ economy remained primarily agrarian, but as part of independent Greece the island’s inhabitants increasingly turned to seafaring – partly under the influence of nearby Syros with its long maritime tradition. The local navy, initially used to simply transport the goods produced there, gradually developed into a powerful merchant fleet, with the majority of its ships being built in Syros.

Starting in the 1880s, the Andros navy would successfully transition from sail to steam, a crucial step towards its growing importance compared to other islands with a long maritime tradition, such as Hydra or Spetses. It should be noted that the Greece-North America line was inaugurated at the beginning of the 20th century by Andros shipowners.

Despite the setbacks created by First and Second World Wars (with WWII in particular causing heavy losses), Andros found itself at the pinnacle of merchant shipping and economic prosperity. In 1939, it was second only to Piraeus in the number of ship registrations. At the end of the 1950s, however, a major migration flow began towards the major urban centers of Athens and Piraeus, as well as abroad (mainly the USA).

In recent years, the island has experienced a new economic growth, owed mainly to tourism, thanks to its natural beauty and stately character – but also its relative proximity to the mainland, which makes it ideal even for a short trip over the weekend.

"Little England" – the island’s maritime tradition

In no way does Andros actually resemble England or any part of the UK. However, it was once dubbed "Little England" mainly due to its wealth and power, owed primarily to its seafaring superiority. The island has for long been home to some of Greece’s most prominent shipping families – such the families of Embirikos, Goulandris, Moraitis, Polemis, Paleokrassas, Kambanis and Vogiatzidis.

Their steamship companies monopolized for many years the transport of people and goods to the Danubian countries, India, America and other places beyond the limits of the island and the Aegean Sea. Thanks to the economic development brought by these companies, Andros developed a vibrant bourgeoisie. Several representatives of sailors' and shipowners' families were elected mayors and members of parliament, while many major public works projects began to be carried out thanks to donations from shipowning families.

These shipping magnates moved the headquarters of their businesses abroad (especially to actual England) decades ago, but their estates and foundations in the island help it still preserve an elegant, stately and cosmopolitan profile, especially in Chora. It should be mentioned that famous Greek surrealist poet Andreas Embirikos comes from the eponymous family of shipowners.

Chora, the capital

The capital of Andros is known Chora; this word (sometimes transliterated as “Hora”), usually used in Greek with the meaning of “country, state”, is also used to designate the capital of an island in the Aegean, and especially in the Cyclades. It should be noted that, when the capital is called Chora, its official name is usually the same as the name of the island – however, each of these capitals is almost invariably referred to as Chora by the locals (as is, for example, also the case for Mykonos, Amorgos, Ios, Tinos, Naxos and Serifos).

A part of Chora is built on a headland, at the end of which we find two islets: one, linked to the mainland by a brick bridge, bears the ruins of a medieval Venetian castle, while the other one is so tiny that it only has room for one lighthouse – the Tourlitis Lighthouse, a trademark of the island for well over a century, which is said to be the only one in Europe built directly on a rocky outcrop in the sea, as well as the first automatic lighthouse in Greece.

At the edge of the headland is located the Andros Maritime Museum, and before it, on a small square overlooking the Venetian castle ruins, a statue of “the Unknown Sailor”, created by sculptor Michael Tombros and erected in 1959, in memory of all the mariners who have lost their lives at sea.

The Chora of Andros -similarly to Ermoupolis, the capital of nearby Syros- does not feature the architectural elements considered characteristic of the Cycladic landscape. Instead of small, whitewashed cubic houses bundled together, we find graceful neoclassical mansions and quaint squares with ornate fountains, echoing its heritage as a rich land of shipping magnates.

Other villages and sites

Another asset that sets Andros apart is the diversity of its landscapes; there are pretty coves and bays of golden sand, but also capes and steep slopes offering extraordinary views of the Aegean Sea. Seaside resorts such as Batsi, Zorkos, Achla, Korthi or the impressive beach Tis Grias to Pidima, with its cliffs and high rocky outcrop, offer something for every taste.

Andros also boasts a number of mountain villages with olive, fig and chestnut trees. These include Apikia, a village renowned for its Sariza spring and Pythara waterfalls, Stenies, a large village with magnificent villas built by captains, and Menites, a village engulfed by vegetation with a superb fountain decorated with lion's mouths.

Vourkoti is the most mountainous village on Andros, with an altitude of 620 meters. It is surrounded by abundant vegetation and streams, and its climate is considered highly beneficial to health. Livadia lies at the foot of the Gerakones mountain, in a green valley through which runs the Megalos Potamos (“Big River”), which flows into Paraporti beach.

Hiking on the island

Andros is considered an ideal island for hiking thanks to its extensive network of hiking trails, traditional stone paths and unique blend of mountain, sea landscapes and cultural landmarks. Small forests, lush valleys, numerous beaches, streams, waterfalls and springs on almost every slope and in every valley provide the perfect backdrop for hiking.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Andros Routes project, over 180 km of old trails have been restored, signposted and maintained to high quality standards. Andros Route, in particular, is a continuous exciting hiking route of Andros extending from north to south. It crisscrosses the mountain ranges of Andros, passing by it most beautiful natural lanscapes and important monuments. In October 2015, Andros Route got the distinguished European Quality Certification Leading Quality Trails-Best of Europe managed by the European Ramblers' Association (ERA), establishing Andros as one of the leading quality destinations for hiking.

The museums

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, the first Contemporary Art Museum in Greece, was inaugurated on July 28, 1979 in Chora Andros, birthplace of the shipowner and art collector Basil P. Goulandris. The construction of the museum was motivated by the need to house and present the works of sculptor Michael Tombros, which he bequeathed to his native town. This initial nucleus was subsequently enriched by works from the private collection of Basil Goulandris and his wife Elise. The museum also hosts important temporary exhibitions by international artists, especially in the summer season – including works by Picasso, Matisse, Kadinsky, Balthus, Giacometti, Klee, Chagall, De Chirico etc.

The Archaeological Museum

Chora is also home to the Archaeological Museum, which has been in operation since 1981 thanks to a donation from the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation. Its exhibits include collections of pieces from the Geometric period settlement of Zagora, sculptures from the Archaic to the Roman periods, inscriptions and sculptures from the Early Byzantine and Byzantine periods, and the famous Hermes of Andros.

Theophilos Cairis Library

This beautiful building with its garden was built thanks to a donation from the Kambanis family. It houses 3,000 volumes from the private collection and bibliography of Theophilos Cairis, as well as a vast archive of rare documents. Exhibitions are organized in an annex to the library. Theophilos Cairis, scholar, theologian and philosopher, was an important figure and representative of the modern Greek Enlightenment (1784-1853).

Peter and Marika Kydonieos Foundation

The foundation focuses on the visual arts, music, theater and literature. An important institution is “Ploes”, which organizes painting exhibitions.

 Based on the original article from Grèce Hebdo (Into image: Ky0n Cheng via flickr)

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In the rugged, mountainous landscape of Amorgos, one of Greece’s easternmost Cycladic islands, a remarkable movement is unfolding. Born from necessity and a deep love for the sea, Amorgorama is a fisher-led initiative that has become a global exemplar for marine conservation and sustainable fishing. This innovative partnership, uniting local fishers, conservationists, scientists, and government bodies, aims to protect the marine environment while safeguarding the livelihoods of the island community.

The Crisis that Sparked a Movement

For generations, the fishers of Amorgos relied entirely on the Aegean Sea for their sustenance and way of life. However, like many coastal communities worldwide, they began to face a grim reality: marine pollution and overfishing were devastating ocean ecosystems. Michalis Krosman, President of the Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos, recalled, "We thought the sea was a source that will never end. There will be fish forever." But by 2010, fishers observed dwindling catches and decreasing incomes. Their nets often brought back more plastic than fish, and the northern beaches, inaccessible by land, accumulated tons of plastic rubbish every spring after winter storms. This plastic debris posed a threat to the ecosystem and fish reproduction.

The dire situation forced many fishers to take on second jobs, or even surrender their licenses and dismantle their traditional Greek fishing boats, known as Kaïkia, in exchange for compensation under a 2014 EU overfishing regulation. Faced with an uncertain future, the approximately 40 members of the Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos, known as “Η Χοζοβιώτισσα,” decided to take matters into their own hands.

The Birth of a Collective Vision: Amorgorama

The movement began taking shape as early as 2013 when the fishing association ventured beyond Amorgos to attend the 2nd European Low-Impact Fishermen (LIFE) conference in Spain. It was there that Michalis Krosman and his colleagues realized they were not alone in their struggles, and that solutions existed. This realization sparked a vision for a different future for Amorgos's seas.

In 2019, the association co-founded Amorgorama with German artist and scientist Florian Reiche. The initiative gained early momentum through a successful crowdfunding campaign and key partnerships within Greece and beyond, including the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF) and the Blue Marine Foundation (BMF).  The name itself, "Amorgorama," embodies this hope: Orama means vision in Greek, signifying the fishers' vision for "clean seas full of fish".

The Four Pillars of Amorgorama’s Strategy

After extensive discussions and a hard-won consensus, the fishers of Amorgos developed a four-pillar master plan aimed at revitalizing their marine environment and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. This bold approach, unique in Greek fishing history, demonstrates their commitment to long-term sustainability.

1. Seasonal Fishing Prohibition: A critical decision was to pause fishing activities for all boats—local, professional, and amateur—during April and May. These months are crucial for the reproduction of commercially important fish species. This self-imposed economic blow, suspending fishing in the middle of the breeding season, highlights the fishers' dedication to the natural environment.

2. Coastal Clean-up Actions: During these two months of fishing prohibition, the fishers repurpose their vessels to address the pressing issue of marine pollution. They use their boats and local knowledge to clean inaccessible northern beaches, which accumulate tonnes of plastic rubbish. From 2021 to 2022 alone, 38 waste collection actions were carried out, with fishers collecting over 1,200 large bags of trash and sending more than 15 tonnes of plastic for recycling. Approximately 60-65% of the recovered plastic is recycled, along with 3 tonnes of nets and ropes.

3. Transition to Environmentally Friendly Fishing Gear: Amorgorama promotes and facilitates the adoption of more sustainable fishing practices. This includes replacing traditional gear with more environmentally friendly options, such as nets with larger mesh and hooks. The goal is to avoid capturing small, young fish, allowing them to grow and reproduce. Recyclable nets have also been introduced.

4. Creation of Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs): Perhaps the most critical and challenging pillar involved the establishment of no-take FRAs, meaning specific zones where fishing is permanently prohibited to enhance fish reproduction and biodiversity. These areas are designed to provide undisturbed havens for fish reproduction, which has been shown in other regions to dramatically increase fish populations. Initially, the plan was to permanently halt fishing for five consecutive years in three of the island's most important fishing grounds: Nikouria, Katapola bay, and the area between the islets of Gramvoussa and Kalotaritissa. These zones will serve as sanctuaries for fish to reproduce and recover, acting as "banks" for fish stocks. The fishers themselves developed a management plan to reverse overfishing, understanding that they "had to sacrifice; they had to change, because otherwise they had to quit".

Key Partnerships and Government Endorsement

Amorgorama's success is deeply rooted in strong collaborative partnerships. From its inception, the initiative received practical support from the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF), which provided funding, capacity, networking, and visibility. Soon after, the Blue Marine Foundation (BMF) joined forces, further bolstering the project.

A crucial scientific partner has been the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA). Following guidelines from the Greek Ministry of Rural Development & Food, the AUA conducted a vital fisheries study for Amorgos to identify and demarcate fundamental habitats and ideal sites for the Fisheries Restricted Areas. This study also proposed alternative management and protection measures for sustainable coastal fisheries. The study was privately funded Cyclades Reservation Fund and Blue Marine Foundation, underscoring the importance of these collaborative efforts.

The initiative's community-led nature and scientific backing gained significant attention, leading to formal recognition from the Greek government. In September 2022, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Amorgorama and the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food. This was a pivotal moment, signaling official support for Amorgorama's goals.

 In April 2024, at the Our Ocean Conference in Athens, the Minister of Rural Development and Food publicly announced the Greek government's approval for the proposed new FRAs around Amorgos. This commitment was also reiterated at the same conference by the Greek Prime Minister, who pledged to expand Greece's marine protected area network and ban bottom trawling in all MPAs by 2030, and to establish the FRAs around Amorgos that the fishers requested.  The study's approval is a significant step, as the establishment of these FRAs is expected to contribute to Greece's commitment to establishing more Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and FRAs by 2030 (known as the "30-30" target).

Following the positive recommendation from the Fisheries Council of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food in December 2024, a draft Presidential Decree (PD) for the institutionalization of the FRAs around Amorgos was submitted to the Council of State (ΣτΕ) in February 2025 for consultation.

The issuance of the Presidential Decree will make the Amorgorama one of a kind initiative in the world, and it’s no coincidence that the attention of both the Greek and global fishing communities is focused on Amorgos. “If it succeeds here, it will succeed elsewhere too,” emphasizes Mr. Krosman in an interview with Gastronomos magazine. “That’s why we say that during this five-year period, state support is needed. Without compensation, no fisherman will be able to survive.”

Furthermore, at the 3rd UN Oceans Conference in Nice in June 2025, the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, highlighted Amorgorama as a model initiative, emphasizing Greece's commitment to expanding its marine protected area network from 20% to 30% and banning bottom trawling in all MPAs by 2030. The Prime Minister specifically cited Amorgorama as an example of "local fishing communities…establishing specific no-fishing zones around the island as safe havens for marine life".

A Global Model and Future Outlook

It has obvious that Amorgorama’s bold actions and collaborative spirit have garnered international acclaim and its success might prove crucial for the future The initiative has also fostered peer-to-peer learning; Michalis Krosman connected with the president of the Gökova Fishers Association in Rome, whose successful marine protection efforts in Gökova Bay had originally inspired Amorgos fishers. They now meet annually to exchange insights.

While government support is critical, particularly regarding compensation for fishers during the no-fishing periods, the Amorgorama partners are committed to ensuring the long-term success of the Fishing Restricted Areas (FRAs), including matters of funding, scientific monitoring, and enforcement. The effective control and supervision of these restricted areas is a prerequisite for the success of the entire endeavor.

Today, Amorgorama stands as a beacon of inspiration and optimism not only for Amorgos but for other fishing and small communities across the Aegean Sea and beyond. What began as a desperate struggle by a handful of fishers has transformed into a globally recognized model for how local communities can lead the charge in protecting our oceans and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

I.L., with information from Amorgorama; Cyclades Preservation Fund; Revive our Ocean; Gastronomos; Κυκλαδική΄΄΄; Innovationinpolitics.eu

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