Grassroots Marine Conservation in Greece – “Amorgorama”
On the remote Greek island of Amorgos, a groundbreaking conservation initiative known as Amorgorama is bringing together fishermen, scientists, and local residents to safeguard the Aegean Sea. With marine ecosystems increasingly under pressure from overfishing, warming waters, and plastic pollution, the island community has taken matters into its own hands.
The project introduces a seasonal two-month ban on fishing, alongside the creation of three designated marine protected areas. Within these zones, only sustainable fishing practices and eco-friendly gear will be permitted, giving depleted fish stocks the chance to recover. Beyond fisheries, the initiative includes coastal cleanups, public awareness campaigns, and active collaboration with researchers to monitor marine life and water quality.
If fully implemented, Amorgos will establish the first official fisheries reserve in the Aegean by 2026, setting a precedent for similar conservation projects across Greece and the wider Mediterranean. For locals, the project is not only about environmental stewardship but also ensuring that traditional livelihoods remain viable for future generations.
At a time when the Mediterranean faces accelerating biodiversity loss, Amorgorama offers a rare story of hope: a community-led model showing how small islands can take the lead in protecting the sea that sustains them.
