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Antiparos island paves the way
We knew that our return to Antiparos island together with the Apivita team would be emotionally significant for us, but we could not imagine that we would leave the island even more moved. And while the first reason was that…
The Blue Municipalities Network at the “Our Ocean 2024” Conference
The BoD President, Mr. Antonopoulos, attended the International Ocean Conference where he had the opportunity to discuss and present the Blue Municipalities Network (B.M.N.) to key representatives from international organizations and agencies. The conference, held in Athens, provided a significant…
The General Assembly and the entry of four new members was a milestone for the Blue Municipalities Network
General Assembly of the Blue Municipalities Network The General Assembly of the Blue Municipalities Network confirmed the importance of this unique venture, which is now evolving into a national model! The active participation and interest of the mayors of the…
What is the Blue Municipalities Network
The Blue Municipalities Network, established and coordinated by the environmental organization Aegean Rebreath, is a partnership of 18 island and coastal municipalities in Greece that shape and develop practices for the protection of the marine environment. It is a network based on cooperation among municipal authorities, civil society organizations and central authorities with the aim of highlighting the importance of the marine environment for the society and the economy. It fosters a collaborative ecosystem with research and educational institutions and also partners with international private firms committed to advancing marine conservation efforts. It also serves as a best practice at a European level since it operates as a legal entity in accordance with the decisions of its municipal councils.
Benefits of Participation in the Network
The membership, apart from prerequisites, entails significant benefits for municipal authorities and the local communities. Each member is supported:
Advocacy to central authorities
Opportunities to build synergies with other network members
Development of pilot programs in collaboration with international groups
Development and submission of funding proposals
Partnerships with research and educational institutions
Implementation of holistic field activities
Development of databases for each member
Municipalities
19
Actions
45
Pilot Programs
10
NETWORK OBJECTIVES
Environmental problems, although rooted in international practices, are still perceived today at a local level. Local communities are called upon to develop solutions without always having the means or resources.
Since 2017, Aegean Rebreath has been working with local authorities and communities across different locations in Greece, noting the increasing interest of local communities in practices that can preserve their marine resources. This ever growing interest needed to be transformed into a practice that would unite the voices of island and coastal municipalities, representing their efforts to promote environmental democracy and environmental rights.
As a result, the Blue Municipalities Network’s efforts highlight the following objectives:
Implementing activities for the marine environment based on the cooperation and coordination of member municipalities
Building partnerships among member municipalities for submitting joint funding proposals for the marine environment
Exchanging and promoting best practices
Strengthening the role of local communities and civil society in shaping local and regional policies
Formulating policies to match environmental challenges at the local level
Highlighting the added value of environmental policies at the local level
Transferring know how and evidence base proposals to relevant ministries
Highlighting the network as a hub of knowledge for the development and dissemination of environmental initiatives