V GROUP

The initiative aims to protect the marine and coastal environment and raise public awareness through experiential actions. At the same time, it seeks to strengthen collaboration with institutional bodies and local communities, fostering the development of a shared environmental consciousness.

Alignment with UN SDGs

- Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education

- Sustainable Development Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

- Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water

- Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The initiative is addressed to students, educators, families, active citizens, local communities, volunteer groups, institutional and port authorities, as well as professionals in the maritime and environmental sectors. It enhances the engagement of all these groups with the shared responsibility of protecting the marine environment.

Single- and multi-day actions (May – October 2024)

In 2024, Antipollution, as a subsidiary of V Group, carried out a series of targeted cleanup actions aimed at protecting the marine and coastal environment. The initiative combined physical waste removal with experiential educational activities, contributing to the cultivation of environmental awareness and the activation of local communities. The actions carried out included:

• Plataria Port, Thesprotia: Coastal and underwater clean-up with the participation of students, guided by Antipollution specialists. The initiative was accompanied by educational presentations on the importance of maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
• Pagasitikos Gulf: In collaboration with the Thessaly Regional Authority and volunteer groups, a marine area affected by a major ecological incident involving thousands of dead fish was cleaned. The intervention contributed to restoring ecological balance and protecting local biodiversity.
• Coastal Zone of Patras Port: Antipollution employees and local community members participated jointly in a cleanup action, highlighting the importance of collective involvement in protecting the urban environment.
• National Coastal Cleanup Campaign – HELMEPA: The company actively participated in coastal cleanup actions across Greece, providing specialized personnel and equipment. The actions were accompanied by informative presentations on plastic pollution and the importance of keeping coastlines clean.
• Volos Coasts: Antipollution led the cleanup of coastal areas in Volos, aiming to restore the shoreline. Environmental awareness sessions were held for children and adults, increasing local engagement and participation. The action marked the starting point for future local environmental interventions.

The initiative was implemented in collaboration with institutional and local stakeholders, including the Thessaly Regional Authority, the Hellenic Coast Guard, local municipalities, HELMEPA, environmental organizations, and volunteer groups.

The actions were actively supported by the Antipollution team, company employees, dozens of volunteers, and local schools and families who participated in each region.

The actions were carried out in coastal and marine areas across Greece, with a focus on Plataria Port (Thesprotia), the Pagasitikos Gulf, the coastal zone of the Port of Patras, the coasts of Volos, and selected sites throughout the country.

The cleanup initiatives had a tangible environmental and social impact, contributing to the restoration of natural landscapes, the removal of large volumes of waste, and the protection of coastal and marine biodiversity. At the same time, through the involvement of hundreds of citizens, students, and local organizations, public environmental awareness was significantly enhanced. The actions served not only as restoration efforts but also as opportunities for education and dialogue on the importance of marine protection. Many participants expressed their intention to remain actively engaged, incorporating environmental responsibility into their daily lives.

The implementation of the cleanup actions strengthened Antipollution’s corporate identity as a responsible and proactive actor in marine environmental protection. It also demonstrated the company’s commitment to sustainable practices. Through partnerships with local and institutional stakeholders, Antipollution expanded its strategic partner network, opening new channels of engagement with local communities and the education sector. The company’s participation in national campaigns such as HELMEPA’s further reinforced its reputation as a consistent and trusted partner in environmental protection. Additionally, the active involvement of employees in the cleanup efforts enhanced internal cohesion and alignment with the company’s sustainability principles, reinforcing its social role and impact.