Section SOCIETY
TOPIC

ΔΕΗ
Together for the Ocean – Awareness, Action, Involvement

PPC demonstrates in practice that environmental protection is achieved through collaboration.
Through the initiative “Together for the Ocean – Awareness, Action, Involvement”, it joins forces with environmental organizations and local communities to clean up and restore NATURA areas and island coastlines.
By combining scientific monitoring with on-site awareness activities for citizens and professionals, it contributes to building a collective culture of care for the marine environment.

 Local Community

Fishing Community

Tourists

PPC in collaboration with the environmental organization iSea and the initiative Project Paralies, is implementing two targeted cleanup and awareness actions with a shared goal: the protection of the marine ecosystem and the promotion of environmental consciousness.

iSea – "Coastal and Underwater Cleanups in Remote Areas of the Natura 2000 Network, in Collaboration with the Fishing Community"

As part of this action, three targeted cleanup interventions will take place, with the participation of the local fishing community and municipal authorities.
The cleanups will be carried out in remote and hard-to-reach Natura 2000 sites, making a significant contribution to the preservation of biodiversity.

The selected locations are directly linked to PPC’s presence in the areas, reinforcing the local character of the initiative.

At the same time, the following activities are being conducted:

  • Sediment sample collection for microplastic analysis, in collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)
  • Scientific recording of waste, using the specially designed EVMAR digital application

 

Project Paralies – "Adopt a Beach" & Project Paralies on the Road to the Cyclades

In 2024, PPC adopted Mikrolimano Beach in Lavrio for the entire summer season.

The adoption program included:

  • Daily manual cleanups
  • Qualitative and quantitative waste recording
  • Public awareness and information for beachgoers
  • Collection of 74.6 kg of waste (15,885 items) that could have otherwise ended up in the sea
  • Installation of source-separation bins for 5 different waste streams, from which 836.8 kg of recyclable materials were recovered

In addition, a beach cleanup campaign was carried out on four Cycladic islands (Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, and Sifnos). The cleanup team remained on each island for one week, conducting daily cleanups on different beaches.

  • 46 beach cleanups
  • 76.9 kg of waste collected, corresponding to 31,341 items

In 2025, Project Paralies will expand to include daily beach cleanups on three additional Cyclades islands: Milos, Kimolos, and Ios.

Innovative Features

  • Scientific microplastic sampling
  • Inclusion of the fishing community
  • Active involvement of local stakeholders
  • Use of digital monitoring tools
  • Creation of recycled souvenirs from collected waste
  • Development of awareness materials for tourist boats

ISEA - NGO

Project Paralies

Employees from PPC Group’s subsidiaries are also actively involved in the coastal cleanup efforts

iSea – Coastal and Underwater Cleanups

  • Rodopou Peninsula – Maleme Beach – Chania Bay (GR4340003)
  • Koufonisi Island and coastal marine zone (GR4320008)
  • Western Milos, Antimilos, Polyaigos and islets (GR4220030)

 

Project Paralies

  • Lavrio (Mikrolimano & Makrame beaches)
  • Kea (Tzia)
  • Kythnos
  • Serifos
  • Sifnos
  • Ios
  • Milos
  • Kimolos

The two initiatives supported by PPC had a substantial and measurable impact — both on the natural environment and on raising awareness among local communities and visitors.

iSea – Coastal and Underwater Cleanups

  • 3 targeted cleanup interventions in hard-to-access areas within the NATURA 2000 network
  • Active participation of the local fishing community and collaboration with local authorities
  • Sediment sampling for microplastic analysis in collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), aiming to provide scientific evidence of pollution
  • Waste documentation and analysis using the EVMAR digital application, contributing to the creation of a data repository for the environmental footprint of the areas

Public impact:

  • Strengthened collaboration with local communities
  • Highlighted the importance of protected areas
  • Fostered environmental awareness among professional fishers

 

Project Paralies

  • Daily beach cleanups at Mikrolimano Beach in Lavrio throughout the summer season of 2024
  • Total waste collected: 74.6 kg (15,885 items)
  • Installation of source-separation bins for 5 waste streams, with 836.8 kg of materials recovered for recycling
  • On-site awareness and outreach to beachgoers, supported by the presence of volunteers

Action across 4 Cycladic islands (Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos):

  • 46 beach cleanups conducted
  • 76.9 kg of waste collected, corresponding to 31,341 items

 

Public impact:

  • Direct engagement and awareness-raising among hundreds of beachgoers and residents
  • Promotion of sustainable waste management practices
  • Activation of local communities and cultivation of a culture of participation

The implementation of this initiative offers PPC significant and multifaceted benefits, strengthening its visibility and presence both locally and nationally.
Through innovative and meaningful collaborations with strong social and environmental impact, PPC reinforces its commitment to sustainable development.

By partnering with specialized organizations such as iSea and Project Paralies, PPC actively demonstrates its dedication to promoting environmental sustainability and social responsibility, while also supporting its broader Sustainable Development Strategy.

This initiative is fully aligned with the  17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — specifically:

Goal 13: Climate Action

Goal 14: Life Below Water

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

— adding value to the company’s operations and strengthening its environmental identity.

At the same time, it fosters and reinforces trust-based relationships with local communities and fishing groups, contributing to enhanced social cohesion in PPC’s areas of activity.

Moreover, the initiative is designed to be recurring and expandable, with the potential to be extended to additional regions in the future, ensuring its long-term sustainability and lasting positive impact — both for the organization and for the environment.