The aim is to reduce the consumption and disposal of plastic bags and mitigating the environmental impact they cause to Alonissos.
The action “Plastic bag – free Alonissos” is carried out by the MEDITERRANEAN SOS NETWORK & the MOm (The Hellenic Society for the study and protection of the monk seal), in cooperation with the Municipality of Alonnissos, and funded by Thalassa Foundation. It aims at reducing the single- use plastic bags on the island and transform Alonissos as the first “plastic bag- free island” in Greece. This action contributes to the protection of the coastal and marine environment of Alonissos which is the habitat of the Mediterranean monk seals (monachus- monachus). Moreover, it targets to promote Alonissos as a destination which provides alternative forms of tourism.
During the implementation of the action the following came up:
• 2.000 cotton bags were distributed to local households
• A broad range of informational/ awareness raising activities were organized
• Educational activities for students, seminars for teachers, voluntary beach cleaning activities, and participatory workshops with local stakeholders were implemented
Main stakeholders are the inhabitants of the island and the local community in general. Through the practice Thalassa Foundation supported three voluntary clean-ups in Alonissos and neighboring islands.
Resources needed
The Project is funded by the Thalassa Foundation
Evidence of success
• 5,500 lit. of plastic waste was collected and recorded in Alonissos & 2 neighboring islands based on a protocol developed by the Laboratory of Marine Geology & Physical Oceanography Institute of Patras
• Kindergarten and elementary students participated in school clean-ups
• Local entrepreneurs were informed of the action and welcomed the idea of replacing the single use plastic carrier bags
• positive feedback and 5 more Greek islands expressed interest in adopting the practice.
Difficulties encountered
Conservation of the natural reserves of the area
Reduction of the use of plastic bags and mitigation of the environmental impact caused in Alonissos, the home of the Mediterranean seal
Implementation of educational actions for students
Potential for learning or transfer
The potential for learning or transfer of this practice is high especially in small insular places with similar profile as Alonissos
Tags: Adaptation strategy, Awareness, Education, Plastics, Waste
