Wednesday 7 May 2025
FROM KNOWLEDGE TO ACTION: TWO-DAY AWARENESS ACTIONS IN LEFKADA ON THE PROTECTION MEASURES FOR FORMICULA ISLET
Something has changed on Formicula, and just before the summer season, iSea visited Lefkada island to inform the locals about the new measures regulating access to the islet. Aiming to raise awareness and address implementation challenges, we also met with local tourism businesses.
On Friday 25th and Saturday 26th, we were present in Lefkada’s central market, where we informed citizens about the provisions of the Ministerial Decision that now seilds Formicula islet. We spoke with over 1,200 people about the new measures and the ecological value of the area, and we were pleased to find out that the public is embracing every initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity and the natural beauty of the region.
Our outreach also included tourism businesses, key stakeholders in implementing the new protection measures for Formicula. We visited them at Lefkada Marina as well as in Vasiliki, Nydri, Palairos, and Vounaki Marina. In total, we engaged with more than 150 businesses, which are now informed about the current regulations, and we remain in contact with them to ensure they have the necessary materials to also inform their clients.
On Friday, we also held an informative event attended by citizens and business owners where together with Tethys Research Institute and Blue Marine Foundation we discussed the pressing issues that made the new measures necessary, presented the data supporting the islet’s protection, and highlighted the collaborative efforts between stakeholders and the local community that led to the issuance of the Ministerial Decision. The event was welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Kalamos island, Mr. Panos Gianniotis. A key presence was the Port Authority of Lefkada, Mr. Panagiotis Leontarakis, who emphasized the strictness of the new regulations and the port authority's role as the enforcement body. He also addressed many questions from attendees regarding the penalties for violators.
A discussion followed about the challenges faced by tourism operators, as well as good and innovative practices already being implemented to help ensure compliance with the measures by captains and clients who rent their boats. Local fishers who attended the event also shared their views with the discussion that followed focusing on the benefits of Marine Protected Areas and their positive impact on biodiversity and, thus their livelihood.
One of the highlights of the gathering was the emotional response of kids who saw their own efforts, the letters they had sent to the Ministry of Environment and Energy for advocating for Formicula’s protection, contributing to real change.
At the same time, attendees were inspired to protect Formicula for future generations through the lens of award-winning photojournalist and iSea collaborator, Dimitris Tosidis, whose photographs captured the magical habitats and species found on the islet.
Our presence and work on the island will continue to ensure that information about the new measures remains available and accessible to all members of the local community and visitors. We are also committed to supporting all stakeholders involved in the implementation for overcoming any challenges.
Let’s work together this summer to ensure measures are implemented to Protect Formicula!
Find more about the area:https://isea.com.gr/formicula-islet/?lang=en
Find the Ministerial decision: https://isea.com.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20240400953.pdf
Further information: Ioannis Giovos, Conservation officer, Environmetal Organisation iSea, ioannis.giovos@isea.com.gr
