ENVIRONMENT

In 2023, elin, within the framework of its Corporate Responsibility program, “othisi”, launched a holistic awareness and training initiative for the local communities of Greek islands. The goal was to prevent and effectively confront marine pollution caused by fuels and lubricants. The initiative has been successfully implemented for two consecutive years in collaboration with Aegean Rebreath and the Blue Municipalities Network, and entered its third year of operation in 2025.

With the core message that “No source of pollution is insignificant,” the program stands out for its innovative and comprehensive approach to addressing marine pollution in Greece. Its structure is based on two pillars: 1) awareness and education of local communities about marine pollution, and 2) scientific research to develop targeted prevention and response policies.

Awareness and Education Pillar

The company's employees, experienced in managing pollution incidents, together with representatives of Aegean Rebreath, visit islands of the Blue Municipalities Network to conduct educational sessions with professional fishermen and representatives of port funds. During these sessions, they share valuable knowledge on how to protect the marine ecosystem. As part of these visits, elin donates specialized anti-pollution kits to each island’s municipality. The aim of these donations is to equip local authorities and local fishers with the necessary tools to prevent and respond effectively to marine pollution incidents. The kits include anti-fouling towels and barriers, necessary personal protection equipment, and materials suitable for storing the used equipment in case of pollution.

To date, program activities have taken place on 10 islands (Santorini, Alonissos, Lefkada, Poros, Amorgos, Paros, Antiparos, Kea, Naxos, and Kasos), with the active participation of municipal authorities and the immediate engagement of local communities. These communities have recognized both the value and positive impact of the initiative on the marine environment.

A key innovation of the program lies in the fact that it is not merely a theory-based transfer of knowledge to fishermen and port authorities. It provides comprehensive and practical training, divided into two distinct parts: 1) a theoretical component covering pollution prevention methods, incident response procedures, and the impact of marine pollution on ecosystems and 2) a practical component offering hands-on training in the proper use of anti-pollution tools and equipment.

In essence, this pioneering initiative comprehensively addresses both the prevention and response dimensions of marine pollution. It delivers high-standard tools, advanced technologies, and critical know-how to local communities - enabling them to become responsible stewards and protectors of the marine ecosystems, preserving the beauty of their islands for future generations.

Research Pillar

In 2024, the program was further strengthened with the addition of the Marine Census, a research process for the systematic recording and evaluation of marine pollution in Greek ports, through the collection and analysis of seawater samples. This development adds a scientific dimension to the initiative, offering island communities a comprehensive understanding of pollution levels and conditions in their local marine environments. As part of this expanded effort, elin donated a remotely operated underwater vehicle (RoV) to Aegean Rebreath, which is used for collecting both water and sediment samples and for retrieving ghost nets from the seabed.

Sample analysis and evaluation are conducted by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR). Notably, this research practice is being implemented for the first time in Greece. The findings are expected to provide island communities with an accurate assessment of water quality in Greek ports and contribute to the creation of specialized pollution prevention and response policies.

By the end of 2024, visits had taken place on 14 islands, and 28 water samples were collected for scientific analysis, with additional visits continuing throughout 2025. The methodology was developed by researchers from HCMR and is aligned with European environmental protocols.

For sediment analysis, measurements focus on the presence of organic pollutants and microplastics, while for seawater, the samples are tested for concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, carbon, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc).