The Challenge
Marine ecosystems globally are under severe pressure from fragmented management, overfishing, and habitat degradation, which threaten the long-term health of our seas. There is a critical need to transition from isolated, short-term conservation actions to permanent, evidence-based governance through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs). These designated zones are essential for restoring biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources. However, without a robust scientific and social foundation, achieving the legal designation of these areas remains a difficult, long-term endeavor.
This challenge is acutely felt in the waters surrounding Lesvos. While the recognition of the area as a Mission Blue “Hope Spot”‘ serves as a crucial first step, establishing a formal, legally structured management framework to secure the future of these waters and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities is of paramount importance. It is essential to bridge the gap between grassroots passion and formal governance by building the necessary social and scientific foundation for an MPA/FRA.
The Solution
CPF’s grant to the “Aristotle’s Blue Vision” serves as the foundational strategic and scientific roadmap required to move toward the official establishment of an MPA and FRA in Northern Lesvos. This initiative focuses on the complex, essential work that must precede legal designation: gathering the data and building the social consensus necessary for success. Recognizing the importance of this mission, the Cyclades Preservation Fund supports HEALING LESVOS in conducting an extensive mapping activity to identify the vital stakeholders who will define the future of this seascape. By bridging the gap between scientific research and community governance, the project paves the way for durable marine protection.
Activities
With the support of the Cyclades Preservation Fund, HEALING LESVOS will:
- Identify and map local professional fishermen and Fishers’ Associations, documenting their specific locations, membership demographics (age/gender), vessel types, and fishing gear.
- Engage with secondary target groups, including amateur fishing clubs and organized recreational groups.
- Execute a comprehensive mapping of additional local stakeholders
About the Grantees
Healing Lesvos is a community-driven CSO working at the interface of science and society to lead marine conservation and citizen-science initiatives on Lesvos.
What You Can Do
- Learn more about MPAs, and how they benefit our seas and coastal communities. Check CPF’s Initiatives such as Amorgorama and Revive Our Ocean Greece
- Advocate for the establishment of and MPA/FRA at your local network.
- Support the Cyclades Preservation Fund to make more local initiatives like this possible across the Aegean.
SDGs
CPF’s grants support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This grant specifically supports:
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – The project’s primary goal is the long-term legal protection and restoration of marine biodiversity through an MPA.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Success is built on aligning scientists, local fishers, and national policy makers toward a shared conservation vision.
