On Thursday, May 14, a three-day series of events begins on Lesvos, aiming to promote awareness, environmental education, and dialogue around the protection of the marine environment.
The program includes educational activities in schools across Lesvos, a public screening in Mytilene of the documentary “Ocean with David Attenborough”, and an open discussion in Petra on the environmental challenges facing the Aegean and the role of local communities in protecting the sea. The event will also feature a presentation of Healing Lesvos’ project, “From Aristotle’s Sea to a Marine Protected Area”, implemented with the support of Mission Blue and the Plum Foundation.
At a time when Lesvos is facing multiple environmental and social challenges — from the impacts of the climate crisis to the consequences of foot-and-mouth disease on local production, the economy, and ecosystems — these activities take on particular importance as an open forum for discussion about the relationship between people, production, and the natural environment, as well as how pressures on land directly affect the marine ecosystem.
The event in Petra, on Saturday, May 16, focuses particularly on connecting scientific knowledge with local experience and reality, bringing together fishers, scientists, institutions, and residents in dialogue about the future of Lesvos’ marine environment and the possibilities for its protection and sustainable management.
Healing Lesvos’ long-term work in Northern Lesvos, in collaboration with local communities, fishers, the University of the Aegean, and international organizations, has highlighted both the area’s unique ecological value and the urgent need for its protection.
Because today, the challenge is not only biodiversity conservation. It is also the resilience of local communities, quality of life, and the future of Lesvos and the Aegean.
Detailed Program of Activities
Thursday 14/5 and Friday 15/5 | 09:30 – 12:30 | Presentations at Primary Schools (GISA)
The first two days include visits to schools, where students will learn about the work of the Greek Islands Seagrass Alliance and the importance of Posidonia oceanica marine ecosystems for biodiversity and the health of our seas. Through interactive activities, educational videos, games, and comics, students will participate in discussions about marine protection and environmental responsibility.
Friday 15/5 | 18:30 | Open Screening of the Documentary “Ocean with David Attenborough” and Discussion at the Mytilene Cultural Center*
The event will take place at the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Mytilene on Tyrtaiou Street (in the city’s central market area) and will open with brief remarks from the organizers and a presentation of the Greek Revive Our Ocean campaign.
The screening will be followed by an open discussion with the public on marine environmental protection, environmental challenges in the Aegean, and the participation of local communities in preserving marine ecosystems.
Watch the trailer:
* By Revive Our Ocean campaign in collaboration with Greek Islands Seagrass Alliance (GISA), Healing Lesvos, the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF), the University of the Aegean, under the auspices of NECCA/OFYPEKA and National Geographic Pristine Seas.
Saturday 16/5 | 11:00 – 15:00 | Community Dialogue, Stakeholder Participation, and Screening of “Ocean with David Attenborough” at the Petra Cultural Center “Stelios Pavlis” (CPF, Healing Lesvos and the University of the Aegean)
The third day focuses on connecting scientific research with local knowledge and experience, strengthening dialogue among fishers, local institutions, scientists, and residents.
Through scientific presentations, open discussion, and exchange of experiences, participants will be introduced to recent findings on gorgonian coral ecosystems and Posidonia seagrass meadows, the pressures facing the region, and opportunities for protection and restoration.
At the same time, Healing Lesvos will present its project “From Aristotle’s Sea to a Marine Protected Area”, which focuses on linking scientific research with local knowledge and participation, highlighting the crucial role of local communities and people of the sea in the future of the Aegean.
The event will conclude with a screening of the documentary “Ocean with David Attenborough”.
