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Addressing the urgent threats to marine biodiversity in the Aegean Sea 

The Lesvos Mission Blue Hope Spot tackles the alarming decline of marine biodiversity in the Aegean Sea, primarily caused by plastic pollution, ghost fishing nets, habitat degradation, and the lack of marine conservation management system. The local coastal and marine ecosystems are home to a variety of species listed on the , such as the Posidonia oceanica meadows, which were being severely impacted by these threats.  

Furthermore, the absence of a formal Marine Protected Area (MPA) has left many regions inadequately protected, leaving ecosystems vulnerable to exploitation and degradation. In the end, this situation was affecting local fisheries and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Recognizing the need for an integrated and sustainable approach, Lesvos Mission Blue Hope Spot was launched in 2017 as the first Mission Blue Hope Spot in the region. 

A pioneering and holistic approach to marine conservation 

The initiative engages local and international stakeholders through three key projects.  

1. The Blue Heart Project involves local and international youth in hands-on marine restoration, through beach cleanups and environmental education. 

2. The EU Blue School Project fosters and rewards the integration of marine conservation into local school curriculums, ensuring long-term impact and behavioral change.  

3. The GhostNet Free Ocean Project collaborates directly with local fishers to track and remove lost fishing gear through mobile applications that allow them to report them. It addresses this persistent issue while promoting responsible fishing practices. 

By actively involving fishers and students in marine conservation efforts, the project fosters lasting social and educational benefits, empowers local communities, and cultivates a deep-rooted culture of environmental stewardship. Additionally, marine debris collected during cleanups is repurposed into educational tools, art pieces, or eco-friendly products, shifting community perspectives toward a circular economy approach. 

Scaling up conservation and education efforts 

Over the next years, the project aims to increase the frequency and scope of beach cleanups, ghost net removal operations and plastic recycling efforts, across the Mediterranean region. It also plans to work with local authorities to secure legal recognition and structured management of an MPA that will safeguard marine ecosystems and promote eco-tourism. Another objective is to broaden the educational outreach of the EU Blue School Project by developing global partnerships with universities, NGOs, and the Mission Blue Hope Spot Network. Finally, further scientific research and monitoring of the health of marine ecosystems will be conducted to better inform conservation strategies in the region. 

The initiative has already demonstrated remarkable success, with the last Blue Heart Project which gathered 117 international students from San Francisco, 198 local students and 49 refugee children. Through these efforts, the project is contributing to the long-term resilience of Lesvos’ marine ecosystems and people, while in parallel constituting a model for other regions to replicate.  

Would you like to get involved in this initiative?