Beyond Poros: Protecting the Seas of Greece
Over the past three years, Katheti has gathered a vast amount of information that reveals the fundamental problems of the industrial aquaculture model in Greece. From severe environmental impacts to deep weaknesses in citizen participation and decision-making processes, it has become clear that a poorly written law remains unchecked, turning citizens into mere spectators on issues that directly affect their lives and the very identity of the country.
At Katheti, we feel deep gratitude for the support that Poros has received from allies across Greece and abroad. Together, we have proven that informed communities, grounded in knowledge and solidarity, can stand up to opaque and unjust systems. Our fight will continue until the law regarding POAY is rewritten to reflect scientifically substantiated practices, fairness, and the genuine will of the communities affected.
Greece deserves better than to see its waters polluted to feed distant markets, while public subsidies disappear into a bottomless pit, creating neither sustainable development nor meaningful local employment. It is time for this industry to be held accountable and for public resources to be redirected toward high-potential, future-oriented sectors that create real opportunities for generations to come.
Some of the actions we carried out during the summer and autumn, and will continue in the
coming months, include:
- Co-organization with the Municipality of Poros and the Municipality of Methana- Troizina and participation in a peaceful protest of 2,500 citizens in Poros, creating a symbolic human chain and sending a clear message of resistance against the POAY in Poros and Methana.
- Presentation of scientifically substantiated evidence and highlighting the concerns of local communities to the Water Resources Subcommittee of the Greek Parliamentary Environment Committee, together with Mayor of Poros Giorgos Koutouzis, Mayor of Xiromero Ioannis Triantafyllakis, Maria Karamanof, Honorary Vice President of the Council of State, and Professor of Spatial and Marine Spatial Planning Stella Kyvelou- Chiotini.
- Participation in the KESYPOTHA committee with the Municipality of Poros, which resulted unanimously in the rejection of the plan to establish a POAY in Poros.
- Continued active participation in Aktaia, a nationwide alliance of citizens, organizations, and scientists from over 20 communities opposing the proposal for a 24-fold expansion of industrial aquaculture in Greece, promoting the protection of the seas and local communities.
- Hosting of the journalistic workshop “Solomon Media Lab” regarding aquaculture.
- Participation in the “Smart Villages” conference at the Salamina Town Hall.
- Participation in the Green Weekend at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
- Highlighting the consequences of industrial aquaculture at Emory University in Atlanta, in the context of the screening of Francesco de Augustinis’ film “Until the End of the World”.
- Participation in the conference “Productive Greece 2030: Transformation with Vision, Justice, and Efficiency”.
- Assisted in the launch of the University of Piraeus research report on aquaculture economics.
We want Poros’ victory to mark the beginning of a marine spatial planning framework based on transparency, respect for the environment, local communities, and scientific evidence. That is why we continue our struggle for our neighbors in Methana, and for every coastal community in Greece threatened by the POAY.
Pollution knows no boundaries. Environmental impacts, social wellbeing, infrastructure, and public health transcend municipal, regional, and social borders, especially when guided by a flawed national framework. We are all part of a greater whole. Greece may be a small country, but it is rich in knowledge, culture, and natural beauty. If we join forces, we can protect what unites us and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
