A constructive meeting was held between representatives of the Blue Municipalities Network and the General Secretary for Natural Environment & Water, Mr. Petros Varelidis, aiming to develop close cooperation. The meeting was attended by the network’s President, Mr. Kyriakos Antonopoulos, and Board Member, Mr. Giorgos Sarelakos, who presented the work and achievements of the collaborating municipalities.

The General Secretary and ministry officials expressed great interest in the network’s accomplishments and agreed there is significant potential for collaboration. Specifically, the participants concurred that the holistic model of activities implemented by the network, the research databases and the development of joint policies for the marine environment by the municipalities could yield mutual benefits at national level.

Additionally, the need for support of the network was discussed, as this unique initiative, now also acknowledged at European level, is still supported exclusively by its member municipalities and the environmental organization Aegean Rebreath.

The participants agreed to initiate collaboration at a technical level between ministry staff and representatives of the Blue Municipalities Network to identify the needs and opportunities that will enhance efforts to protect the marine environment on a national scale.