{"id":1335,"date":"2026-05-15T12:24:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T12:24:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.fotoessa.gr\/?p=1335"},"modified":"2026-06-18T09:03:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T09:03:23","slug":"guardians-of-the-coasts-when-diversity-becomes-collaboration-project-partners-meet-with-activist-christos-kotsireas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.fotoessa.gr\/index.php\/2026\/05\/15\/guardians-of-the-coasts-when-diversity-becomes-collaboration-project-partners-meet-with-activist-christos-kotsireas\/","title":{"rendered":"Guardians of the Coasts: When Diversity Becomes Collaboration – Project Partners Meet with Activist Christos Kotsireas"},"content":{"rendered":"

How can people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives work together effectively to protect a common good?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This question was at the heart of a meeting organised by FOTOESSA<\/strong> within the framework of the Erasmus+ project “Guardians of the Coasts”<\/strong>, bringing together the Portuguese partners Rita Sousa<\/strong> from Aequalitas<\/strong> and Rafaela Fortunato<\/strong> and Beatriz Pereira<\/strong> from Impactrip<\/strong>, together with Christos Kotsireas<\/strong>, activist and member of the Free Beaches Movement<\/strong>, who has many years of experience in grassroots initiatives and civic action.<\/p>\n

The meeting took place during the Portuguese partners’ study visit to Greece and provided another valuable opportunity to exchange experiences on active citizenship, collective action and the protection of beaches as common goods.<\/p>\n

The discussion focused on the essential role of citizen participation in initiating and supporting actions that serve the public interest. Drawing on Mr. Kotsireas’ long-standing experience, participants explored how collective action is not built on uniformity but on the ability of people with different backgrounds to work together, combine diverse perspectives and build relationships of trust around a shared purpose.<\/p>\n

Particular attention was given to the experience gained through citizen-led initiatives advocating for free public access to beaches. The discussion highlighted that protecting common goods is an ongoing process of civic participation, strengthened when citizens take responsibility, share ownership of solutions and work together in a spirit of solidarity.<\/p>\n

One of the key reflections shared by Mr. Kotsireas was:<\/p>\n

\n

“It is remarkable how people with such different backgrounds came together around a shared idea for the common good.”<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This observation captures one of the fundamental principles of Guardians of the Coasts<\/strong>: active citizenship does not require people to think alike. It requires dialogue, trust, participation and a shared commitment to serving the common good.<\/p>\n

The meeting also confirmed that protecting coastal areas is not solely a matter of legislation or institutional responsibility. It depends equally on active communities, engaged citizens and collective efforts that recognise common goods as a shared responsibility.<\/p>\n

The exchange of experiences among people working in different sectors of society is one of the cornerstones of the Guardians of the Coasts<\/strong> project. Through meetings with representatives of the scientific community, local authorities, civil society organisations and grassroots initiatives, the project creates opportunities for learning and dialogue, transforming diverse experiences into shared knowledge and educational resources that will contribute to the project’s Toolkit.<\/p>\n

This meeting reminded us that meaningful change begins when people choose to work together.<\/p>\n

Because our beaches are:<\/p>\n

A common good.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A shared responsibility.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A common future.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How can people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives work together effectively to protect a common good? This question was at the heart of a meeting organised by FOTOESSA within the framework of the Erasmus+ project “Guardians of the Coasts”, bringing together the Portuguese partners Rita Sousa from Aequalitas and Rafaela Fortunato and Beatriz Pereira<\/p>\n

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