Aegean Rebreath was set up in 2017 with the aim to clean underwater garbage and local coasts in different locations in Greece. The main concept of the organisation includes the installation of recycling stations at fishermen harbours around Greece as well as multiple targeted actions for the decontamination and protection of the seas. In particular, Aegean Rebreath actions include mapping, recovery, collection, recycling and re-utilizing marine litter following the principles of the circular economy. Amidst their actions, they offer educational programs in order to inform and raise awareness in schools, local and fishermen communities.
The Team
Aegean Rebreath members share the same concerns regarding the problem of plastic pollution and irresponsible waste management. Within two years, Aegean Rebreath managed to grow into a large organisation of volunteers who conduct mass coastal clean ups and diving operations. Their work is multi-dimensional and involves a high number of people with different backgrounds.
It is worth noting that, they are Community Award Winners among 475 proposals in the Idea Challenge Camp “Advocate Europe”. They’ve organised 25 widespread clean-up operations in different locations in Greece and have built synergies with the vast majority of the local institutions.
The Recycling Stations
The recycling stations for marine litter are usually installed in fishing ports and they include shelter and recycling bins for fishing equipment, glass, plastic and aluminium. Currently, two stations have been installed in Paros and Antiparos and another 5 are expected to be installed in Syros, Poros, Salamina, Tinos and Lefkada.
Every recycling bin is labeled so that fishermen and citizens who collect marine or coastal litter, depending on their material, put them in the right bin. Then, the materials are mapped and channeled to the corresponding recycling network while the fishing equipment is directed to the “blue-cycle” program which aims at upcycling and re-utilizing this equipment.
The Future
George Sarelakos who spoke to the Marine Start Ups team was really optimistic about the future of the organisation.
“The response of local communities and citizens is astonishing. We call that “A small Revolution”. More and more local institutions and groups take action and ask for our help and participation.”