The Challenge Tinos is home to nearly 900 traditional dovecotes, a unique example of Cycladic architecture and cultural heritage. Once central to rural life, providing fertilizer and food while shaping the island’s agricultural economy, many dovecotes today face neglect or abandonment. Without systematic documentation, public awareness, and integration into sustainable rural development, these monuments risk…
The Challenge The Cyclades, beyond a unique travel destination, are also home to rare and threatened species of birds and wildlife. As pressures from human activity, habitat loss, and climate-related stressors grow, local wildlife faces increased threats to survival. On Naxos, a critical biodiversity hotspot, injured wild animals —especially sea turtles and vultures — are…
The Challenge Andros, the Cycladic island that took its name from its many water springs, with a rich history of sustainable water management, is experiencing growing water stress mostly due to climate change, agricultural decline, and rising tourism. Centuries-old spring systems that once supported agriculture, ecosystems, and daily life are being degraded or abandoned, while…
The Challenge Mykonos faces intensifying environmental pressures from overtourism and extractive economic approaches, aggravated by climate change. The island’s terrestrial ecosystems are under strain from human activity, pollution, and seasonal overcrowding, as natural disasters become more frequent. There is an urgent need for education and engagement that connects residents, children, and visitors with Mykonos’ natural…
The challenge The Cyclades region is rich in flora and fauna. Unfortunately, locals and visitors often have little knowledge about the natural environment and biodiversity, including the care needed for injured wildlife animals. Addressing the lack of knowledge about the natural environment and biodiversity in the Cyclades, as well as the need for resources to…
The challenge The islands of the South Cyclades, including Zafora, Dyo Adelfia, and Tria Nisia, are ancient ecosystems with exceptional biodiversity, often referred to as the “Galapagos of the Mediterranean.” These islands host rare and endemic species – relict Ice Age plants clinging to cliffs, flightless beetles, and unique invertebrates – evolved over millions of…
The challenge The underwater ecosystem of Santorini is a vibrant and diverse marine environment shaped by the island’s volcanic origin, and while the Caldera is a breathtaking sight to behold, its waters and underwater caves are also home for local fish species, sponges, sea urchins. Τhis delicate ecosystem faces significant environmental challenges influenced by multiple…
The challenge: Lack of water is a major worldwide problem, which is increasingly intensifying on the Cyclades islands leading to negative environmental effects such as; freshwater shortages, soil degradation, loss of vegetation, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, marine ecosystem disruptions, increased wildfires, and biodiversity loss. Ιn response to this threat, expensive and environmentally costly solutions such…
The challenge: Many wildlife species are threatened in Greece. Each one of them plays an important role for the ecological balance, biodiversity, and overall environmental health. While their rescue is of paramount importance, the support of trustworthy and scientifically qualified actors who undertake that mission to protect them is limited. The need for a regional…
The challenge Medicine waste and its improper disposal is a global challenge. Improper medicine disposal leads to soil, air and especially marine pollution. Every year in Greece, more than 40,000,000 boxes of medicines, which are worth over €1,000,000,000 expire in homes and are thrown away, polluting the aquatic environment and/or contributing to climate change. Substances,…
