![\"\"](\"https:\/\/en.fotoessa.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GOTC-Insta-VISIT-PARTNERS-070526-819x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A powerful week of synergy, exchange, and active citizenship!<\/p>\n
In May, FOTOESSA<\/strong> hosted the Portuguese partners in Greece as part of the European Erasmus+ project “Guardians of the Coasts.”<\/strong> The visiting partners included Rita Sousa from the organization Aequalitas<\/em>, as well as Rafaela Fortunato and Beatriz Pereira from the organization Impact Trip<\/em>.<\/p>\n The visit took place according to the project’s schedule and marked the first international transnational meeting of the partners in Greece. It focused on coastal protection, free access to beaches, environmental awareness, active citizenship, and the exchange of good practices<\/strong> between Greece and Portugal.<\/p>\n During the visit, an extensive round of meetings, discussions, and exchanges of experience was held with representatives from the scientific community, local government, environmental organizations, volunteer groups, and citizens’ movements.<\/p>\n Participants had the opportunity to get a first-hand look at different initiatives and actions related to the protection of coasts and the marine environment, as well as the challenges faced by local communities. As part of the visit, meetings were held with institutional bodies and key figures, including:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR)<\/strong> \u2013 an official supporter of the project, represented by:<\/p>\n Dr. Vassilios Kapsimalis<\/strong>, Director<\/p>\n Dr. Alexandra Gogou<\/strong>, Research Director of the Institute of Oceanography<\/p>\n Dr. Maria Salomidi<\/strong>, Biologist \u2013 Oceanographer, Researcher and Scientific Diver at the HCMR Institute of Oceanography<\/p>\n Dr. Stylianos Petrakis<\/strong>, Geologist \u2013 Oceanographer at HCMR<\/p>\n Dr. Konstantinos Tsirintanis<\/strong>, Research Associate at HCMR<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Mr. Dimitris Papachristou<\/strong>, Mayor of the Saronikos Municipality, an official supporter of the project<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Ms. Viktoria Simitzi Mykoniati<\/strong>, Vice Mayor of Tourism for the Saronikos Municipality<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Mr. Iasonas Markantonis<\/strong>, Climatologist and environmental activist<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Mr. Gabriel Kokkinis<\/strong>, Attorney, President of the Saronikos Municipal Youth Council, and member of the “Free Beaches” citizens’ movement<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Mr. Christos Kotsireas<\/strong>, Activist and member of the “Free Beaches” citizens’ movement<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Mr. Antonis Sifakis<\/strong>, Attorney \u2013 Activist, specializing in environmental law<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Ms. Zacharo Frantzeskou<\/strong>, President of the cultural association “Phocaean Politeia,” an official supporter of the project<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Ms. Anastasia Ioannidou<\/strong> and the team “Youth Volunteers in Action in Saronikos,”<\/strong> an official supporter of the project<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Angeliki Spanea<\/strong> and Yiannis Angelakos<\/strong> at the Diveness<\/em> diving center, discussing environmental volunteering, seabed cleanups, and beach cleanups<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Volunteer members<\/strong> of the “Free Beaches” citizen\u2019s movement<\/strong> at the 24-hour guard post in Glystra, Lagonisi<\/p>\n Through these meetings, the vital importance of cooperation among citizens, scientists, local government, environmental organizations, and social movements was highlighted to ensure the protection of coasts and the marine environment.<\/p>\n The “Guardians of the Coasts” project continues to build bridges of cooperation between Greece and Portugal, promoting active citizen participation, the exchange of experiences, and the protection of beaches as a public and common good.<\/p>\n Our beaches:<\/strong><\/p>\n A common good.<\/strong><\/p>\n A shared responsibility.<\/strong><\/p>\n A common future.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A powerful week of synergy, exchange, and active citizenship! In May, FOTOESSA hosted the Portuguese partners in Greece as part of the European Erasmus+ project “Guardians of the Coasts.” The visiting partners included Rita Sousa from the organization Aequalitas, as well as Rafaela Fortunato and Beatriz Pereira from the organization Impact Trip. The visit took<\/p>\n