The Thalassa Foundation, continuing its consistent effort to establish a model of harmonious coexistence between humans and the environment, supports initiatives that enhance the sustainability of natural capital and at the same time improve the living conditions of the citizens of Alonissos. In this context, for the period 5-9 June, a series of extremely important actions have been planned, different from each other, but with a common denominator of a solid investment in a better tomorrow on the emblematic island of Sporades.
The actions start on Tuesday 6 June, with the young citizens of Alonissos in the foreground. Specifically, in cooperation with the environmental organization The Bee Camp, interactive, educational workshops will be implemented for the children of the Kindergarten and the Nursery School, in order to inform our little friends about the enormous importance of bees as pollinators, the environmental challenges they face and how these endanger food production, the economy and the stability of ecosystems.
Over the next two days (7 & 8 June), a digital dermatoscopy and nevus mapping system for use in primary care will be presented and launched on the island. This system, which is a donation from the Thalassa Foundation to the residents of Alonissos, has been developed and supported by Althexis company and enables calibrated imaging, characterization, follow-up history, mapping and analysis of most skin conditions including nevus, fungal infections, vitiligo, vitiligo, etc. The system allows safe and reliable communication of these tests to Dermatology Physicians for investigation of each case at primary care level and referral for in-person examination and/or biopsy. The two-day activities will include a) presentation of the system to the general public and information about the skin, its risks and protection from them (Wednesday 7/6 at 12.30 pm in the event hall of the Town Hall), b) training of the doctors of the island and other related professionals (pharmacists, nurses) in the use of the system (Wednesday 7/6 at 18. 00-19.30 at the Health Centre) and c) and a dermatoscopy open to the public in order to familiarise the residents of Alonissos with the device and the relevant procedure (Thursday 8/6 at 18.00-19.30 at the Health Centre). The dermoscopy system will remain at the Health Centre of Alonissos, so that all residents of the island can check their skin diseases free of charge and prevent their deterioration or development.
Finally, on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 June, the closing event of the Green Fund funded project Sea Guardians - Educating the Guardians of the Sea will take place, which is being implemented by the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), AENAOS THALASSASA, the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A.) and the scientific sponsor is the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, through the Laboratory of Ichthyology of the Department of Biology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. During the first day of the event, a workshop will be held, focusing on the presentation of the results of the project and the discussion on its main themes, aiming at their holistic presentation, the understanding of their specific characteristics and the submission of relevant proposals. More specifically, the themes of the workshop will be:
- Protected areas - Success stories and lessons learned from other national marine conservation initiatives
- Reducing the environmental footprint of recreational boats
- Best practices and challenges in sustainable fisheries
The panel discussions will include representatives of institutions, academia and environmental organisations, researchers, fishermen and marine tourism professionals. On the second day of the event, Friday 9 June, we will move from theory to practice, organising coastal clean-ups on Peristera Island and underwater clean-ups in selected parts of the marine park, with the assistance of Alonissos diving centres.
