ABOUT US
IDENTITY
Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF) is an environmental organisation that supports sustainable initiatives and promotes the preservation of the exceptional beauty and natural value of the Cyclades and Aegean islands. Our vision is to generate positive environmental change. Our mission is to develop networks, empower and support local communities of the Cyclades and Aegean to follow sustainable solutions.
Through our triple role within Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), we aim to support environmental conservation and sustainability efforts in the Cyclades and Aegean.
Donor
As a donor, we provide essential financial support to local communities to implement conservation projects. By offering grants, we enable grassroots initiatives to address environmental challenges, protect natural resources, and promote sustainability at the community level.
Acting as a fund operator, we serve as a bridge between donors and beneficiary communities, ensuring that every donation achieves the greatest impact. This involves managing funds efficiently, transparently, and accountably, while also providing guidance and support to help communities effectively utilize resources for conservation projects.
In our role as an enabler and implementer, we empower key actors within local communities by providing cooperation and capacity-building opportunities. This includes offering training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities to support the development and implementation of conservation initiatives. Additionally, we design and run flagship programs, aimed at preserving valuable environmental resources in the Cyclades and fostering collaboration among local entities across the islands.
By dynamically allocating funds to both local initiatives (grants) and programs powered by CPF, we ensure that resources are effectively utilized to support environmental conservation efforts in the Cyclades and Aegean region.
Do you want to become part of the solution?
OUR APPROACH
Our approach to environmental preservation in the Cycladic and Aegean islands prioritizes the empowerment of locals and the co-designing of solutions based on community needs. By working in partnership with local stakeholders and providing support tailored to their priorities, mentoring, capacity building and networking opportunities, we effectively address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development in the region.
OUR PEOPLE
Our Steering Committee (SC), Advisory Council (AC) and General Meeting of Partners (GMP) work closely with our team and, together, have made CPF what it is today.
The SC members have co-funded the initial budget and keep contributing to our cause in significant ways, including co-funding key operational costs, leveraging personal networks to support our charity in achieving strategic goals and carefully selecting the grants that we fund.
The AC members have a long-standing experience in environmental governance, communication, fundraising and sustainability and provide local knowledge and technical support, as well as their opinion for grant proposals.
The GMP leads the initiative by directing the strategy, approving budget allocation and trying to broaden the donor base. It is CPF’s supreme body and is entitled to decide on all matters relating to the Association which are under its supervision and control.
With a core team focusing on fundraising, grant making, local engagement and empowerment, advocacy, program development, financial management, overall coordination and communication, the CPF operates, mainly, with the generous funding from its GMP and SC members. Our major donors trust that the funds we raise are effectively utilized to support environmental conservation efforts, the CPF grants, in the Cyclades and Aegean islands.
The core team is assisted by scientific consultants, project managers and other professionals, with an expertise in local ecosystems preservation and marine conservation, who work with specific tasks for the CPF-led programs. Occasionally, the CPF recruits interns and volunteers who are either based on the islands or have significant experience in the areas of our interest to support our work on the ground.
In CPF, we have a wide array of backgrounds and interests and we all share a passion for protecting the Cyclades’ and Aegean’s outstanding natural beauty.
Learn how to join the CPF family here!
LOCAL TEAM
ANNI MITROPOULOU
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
When the CPF launched in December 2017, Anni joined as the Executive Director, driven by respect and care for the unique natural environment of Cyclades, as well as by the confidence that individuals and communities have the power to bring positive change. She has a scientific background in International Affairs, Environmental Governance and Sustainable Development, and extensive working experience -of 20 years- with Greek and International NGOs and Foundations, in the fields of environmental and cultural management, sustainable development, local engagement, project & event management, advocacy, campaigning, fundraising, communication and human rights. She’s based in Athens and travels regularly across the islands.
Maria Chrissafi
Head of Finance & Human Resources
Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a University degree in Economics and Finance for Business and Organizations Management. She is a freelancer tax consultant. After many years of working in the field of environmental organizations combined with her love for the environment, the sea and the Cyclades, she started working with CPF in January of 2024 to manage the finances and accounting. Since July 2024, she works as the Head of Finance and HR in the CPF team.
Ioannis Koutoudis
Grants & Programs Advisor
Ioannis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Master’s Diploma in Information Systems. He has 7+ years of professional experience developing and managing projects funded by international Funds, the European Commission, National Authorities, Foundations, and Private Donors to create meaningful social impact. As a non-formal educator, his work also focuses on building the capacity of NGOs and specific target groups. Since October 2024, he works as the Grants & Programs Advisor in the CPF team.
Anna Kontoleon
Executive Team Coordinator
Anna works at the intersection of programme coordination, adult learning and cultural education, designing and supporting initiatives that bring structure, meaning and engagement to learning and organisational processes. In her current role as Executive Team Coordinator with the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF), she supports the coordination of executive-level operations, programme planning and internal workflows, working closely with teams, partners and stakeholders in a dynamic environmental context.
Ioanna Kyriakakis
Senior Project Manager
Ioanna holds a B.A. in Economics, Business Economics & Finance, and a Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship. She has always been in love with the Cycladic Islands and has drawn inspiration from their unique beauty. This is why she wanted to help preserve the Cyclades’ natural value by joining the CPF in June 2021 as a Project Manager for the CPF Posidonia Alert campaign and educational program, using her 19 years of professional experience in coordinating cultural and educational events to raise awareness on social issues. Making her dream come true, she now lives on Syros Island, and occasionally makes hand-built ceramics inspired by Cycladic beauty and sustainability. Between July 2024 and December 2025 she served as the Campaigns & Operations Manager in the CPF team, and since January 2026 she works as a Senior Project Manager.
Ioannis Keramidas
Marine Projects Coordinator
Ioannis holds a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Fisheries Biology, Conservation and Management from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where he also completed his PhD in Ecosystem Modelling and Fisheries Management in 2025. He continues his research through postdoctoral work in EU-funded projects, focusing on ecosystem modelling and fisheries management. Ioannis has published 22 peer-reviewed articles and 30 additional scientific contributions and is a member of the Ecopath International Initiative. At CPF, he contributes as coordinator for marine projects, supporting evidence-based conservation and sustainable fisheries management in the Greek seas.
Andriana Theochari
Communications & production
Andriana Theochari is a documentary and impact producer. She works across diverse fields in film and media, focusing on social and environmental issues, and develops creative strategies that extend a film’s life beyond the screen into public discourse, policy, and community action.
Dorothy Filioti
Communications & Engagement Officer
Dorothy is a Greek American from Athens with a diverse background in Greek ecological and sustainability related initiatives, interspersed with the academic trajectory including a BA in Evolutionary Anthropology and MA in Regenerative Economics. Over the past years, living on Paros island she worked for a program to reduce single-use plastic and popularise tap water, and has supported on-site and on-line with a food forest project and other eco-literacy campaigns. Since July 2024, she works as the Comms & Engagement Officer in the CPF team.
Anna maria messari
Campaigns & events officer
Anna Maria is a communications and content professional with experience in digital campaigns, events, and visual storytelling. With a background in photography and content creation, she combines creative thinking with strong organizational skills to support communication initiatives and develop engaging narratives. She is particularly interested in initiatives that contribute to environmental awareness and positive social impact.
ELENA SYMEONIDOU
LAND PROGRAMS CONSULTANT
Elena is working in the environmental and agricultural sector in the Cyclades since 2010, focusing on natural resources management and food production. She is actively using the frameworks and toolboxes of Permaculture and Agroecology, in projects ranging from private gardens and farms to public regeneration projects. She facilitates public events and teaches seminars and workshops in diverse audiences. Having lived mostly in Paros island for over a decade, she has studied the fascinating but fragile island ecosystems, has witnessed the effects of climate change, land use change and overtourism on the archipelago and has concentrated her work towards the mitigation and adaptation to these effects. She has been in the CPF family with various roles since 2018 and currently works as our Scientific Advisor and Manager for terrestrial projects.
VANGELIS PARAVAS
MARINE PROGRAMS CONSULTANT
Vangelis is a trained biologist, specialised in ecology and zoology of endangered marine mammals, as well as a professional nature and wild-life photographer. He has over 20 years of professional experience in research, conservation and protection of marine species and ecosystems, working for nature conservation in various capacities and supporting, among others, public and non-profit entities. He has been in the CPF family with various roles since 2018 and is currently our Scientific Advisor for marine projects and sustainable fisheries.
