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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Dr. Stella Tsani, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Athens, has been named this year’s winner in the Woman in Energy category of the European Sustainable Energy Awards (EUSEW Awards). These awards honor exceptional individuals and projects for their innovation and commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Woman in Energy Award specifically recognizes women who lead outstanding initiatives that can accelerate the clean energy transition across Europe. It also highlights efforts to promote gender mainstreaming and advance equality and equal opportunities within the energy sector.

Dr Stella Tsani is known for her commitment to using facts to guide policy and support fair energy change. Her research connects economics and sustainability, helping governments in Europe and the Mediterranean create energy systems that meet climate goals.  Beyond her academic work, Dr Tsani is also a passionate mentor, particularly for young women in the energy field. Her advocacy shows that the clean energy transition is not only smart and strategic but also inclusive and future focused. 

Often seen as elite ivory towers, academic institutions may hold the answers to some of the key socio-political questions facing Greece and the wider European region. Can economic analysis deliver solutions to the country’s challenges around sustainable energy? As an academic, Stella Tsani is bridging research and action around energy and the environment, driven by a deep curiosity about how economies function and how economic choices impact society and the environment:

'One of our main challenges in the clean energy transition is how to align economic systems with sustainable, low-carbon energy practices,' she explains. 'My work investigates energy policies that provide incentives for sustainable investment and bring renewable energy into existing markets without disrupting economies or communities.'

Connecting scientific research with evidence-based policy making

In order to bridge theory with practice, Dr. Tsani's aim was to combine rigorous academic research in the clean energy transition and sustainable development with high-level policy engagement – including with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Dr Tsani also chose to engage in systematic work on energy transition and sustainable development as co-lead of the Sustainable Development Goals Working Group of the  Global Young Academy, an international society of young scientists selected for their scientific excellence and commitment to engage with society.

Her work has contributed to practical advances by shaping evidence-based policy recommendations, fostering multi-sector collaboration, and supporting the financial mechanisms needed to drive sustainable energy transitions. Contribution to UNEP flagship initiatives and publications, for example, “will directly influence Mediterranean countries, including Greece, to adopt more sustainable ocean and coastal management practices that intersect with energy policy”. 

'Additionally, my work in clean energy policies and energy scenarios in Greece, Europe and beyond, provides countries with actionable guidelines to improve their clean energy strategies, ensuring both economic growth and environmental protection.'

Generations of sustainability leaders

In a traditionally male-dominated sector, Dr Tsani empowers her female students and is thrilled to see them  thrive when they are given the opportunity to set up networks and identify solutions for sustainable energy: 'What I find most inspiring are qualities such as resilience, intellectual courage, empathy, imagination and the ability to communicate complex ideas in ways that can mobilise action.'

She is passionate about education: 'Empowering the new generation is at the heart of my work. They are the future leaders, innovators, and decision-makers who will carry forward the challenges and opportunities of the clean energy transition… By providing guidance, I aim to inspire the next wave of female scientists, policy leaders, and entrepreneurs in the clean energy sector,' she says.

Dr Tsani believes her work on youth empowerment is highly replicable across different European regions, driving the EU’s climate ambitions: 'By empowering communities, fostering innovation, and promoting the incentives that ensure sustainable energy investments, we can drive the EU closer to its ambitious energy and climate goals.'

Stella Tsani's academic and professional profile

Stella Tsani is Associate Professor of Economics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with expertise in sustainable development, energy, natural resource management, and economic policy. Her work operates at the critical intersection of science and policy, where she regularly contributes to high-level international initiatives.

She is a lead author for the 7th Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7), the flagship environmental assessment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), focusing on the economic and financial transformations essential for a global sustainability transition. Dr. Tsani also serves on the Board of Directors of  the Euro-Mediterranean Forum of Institutes of Economic Sciences and is a permanent member of the MED 2050 foresight group.

Her international contributions include membership in the UNEP/Mediterranean Action Plan Working Group on Ocean Economy and Sustainable Finance, and expert involvement in shaping the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for the Water4All  partnership. She was also an expert contributor to  International Science Council delegation to the UN2023 Water Conference and its related policy brief.

Futhermore, Dr. Tsani is the lead editor of the Handbook of Sustainable Politics and Economics of Natural Resources, and she is a proud member of both the STEM Women global network and of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Dr. Tsani is investing heavily in the next generation of energy professionals, especially young women, leading the GY-Energy (Generation Youth Energy) network, an initiative hosted by the Department of Economics at the University of Athens. Established as part of the undergraduate Energy and Resource Economics course she teaches, GY-Energy promotes awareness, representation, and participation of students at all levels in energy and resource management policymaking—at national, regional, European, and global levels.

EUSEW Awards ​celebrate Europe’s best clean energy projects and leaders 

Stella Tsani was one of three finalists shortlisted for the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 ​(EUSEW Awards) in the Woman in Energy category. The award recognizes women who lead outstanding activities that, if replicated, help to advance the clean energy transition in Europe. Particular attention is placed on efforts to drive the gender mainstreaming agenda and support equality and equal opportunities in the energy sector. The other finalists were Sophie Loots from Belgium, and Carmen Sánchez-Guevara from Spain. Sophie Loots is a champion of grassroots energy cooperatives in Flanders. Carmen Sánchez-Guevara is driving efforts to tackle the critical issue of summer energy poverty.

The European Sustainable Energy Awards highlight achievements that contribute to the EU’s Green Deal objectives and encourage others to adopt best practices in building a sustainable energy future. The nine award finalists have been selected by a high-level jury in three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action and Woman in Energy and are submitted  an online public vote.

The  winners were announced on June 10 at  the EUSEW Awards Ceremony, taking place during European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the​ biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, this year with  the theme of ‘Powering a fair and competitive green transition. The event brings together public authorities, industry, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives accelerating decarbonisation through clean technologies and solutions towards a competitive, fair and just transition both for people and businesses.

I.L.

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