Launched in 2024, Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Greece has rapidly become a driving force for ocean sustainability in the Eastern Mediterranean. As part of the world’s largest network of youth ocean leaders, ecopreneurs, and ocean allies, SOA operates in 115 countries, empowering thousands of young people to turn awareness into action. Globally, SOA has grown into a platform that supports innovative, youth-led solutions, including 64 for-profit startups and over 419 community-led nonprofit projects addressing critical ocean challenges.

Within this global movement, SOA Greece works to translate international momentum into local impact—connecting science, public awareness, and practical solutions tailored to Greece’s marine ecosystems. The Greek Hub is driven by a team of committed young leaders Electra Delavogia, Katerina Kokkinaki, Dimitris Vasileiou, and Eleni Tsirikou who are focused on bridging education, policy dialogue, and community-based action for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea.

Empowering Youth Through Ocean Education

Youth leadership sits at the heart of SOA Greece’s mission. One of the team’s first initiatives was a school awareness session titled “An Ocean of Opportunity”, hosted at Moraitis School, one of Greece’s largest private schools. The session was part of a special school day dedicated to volunteering, society, and the economy, and aimed to engage young people with the Blue Economy, ocean protection, and emerging environmental challenges in Greek seas.

Through interactive discussions, presentations, and visual storytelling, students were encouraged to see the ocean not only as an environmental responsibility, but also as a space for innovation, sustainable careers, and social impact. This session set the tone for SOA Greece’s commitment to connecting youth with actionable solutions for ocean conservation.

Spotlight on Invasive Species in the Mediterranean

A core pillar of SOA Greece’s work is raising awareness about invasive marine species that threaten biodiversity, fisheries, and local livelihoods. The team has focused particularly on:

• Lionfish (Pterois miles)
• Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus)
• Silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus)

SOA Greece has communicated the ecological and economic impacts of these species through media coverage in Greece’s largest newspapers and public outreach that connects scientific data with the everyday realities of fishers, coastal communities, and consumers.

From Awareness to Action: Lionfish Initiative in Attica

SOA Greece recently carried out an on-site initiative in the Attica Region, addressing the environmental threat posed by lionfish. The team visited experienced divers Filippos Capuano and Marios Papavasileiou at Divers Corner, one of Greece’s leading diving schools located in Palaia Fokaia, where the two divers provided first-hand insight into the ecology, behavior, and environmental impact of lionfish in the Mediterranean.

Participants observed lionfish firsthand, gaining a practical understanding of the species and the ecological risks they pose. This hands-on approach highlighted sustainable fishing practices as a means to mitigate the spread of invasive species.

A short video documentary capturing these activities is currently in production. The footage will showcase lionfish fishing, environmental education, and potential solutions through responsible consumption and awareness—a glimpse of which will be shared soon with the public.

Bridging Science, Policy, and Public Dialogue

The team has actively participated in events that bridge culture, policy, and environmental science. They represented Greece at the first-ever screening in Greece of Ocean by David Attenborough, fostering dialogue on marine protection, climate change, sustainable fisheries, and the future of Marine Protected Areas within the framework of the Revive Our Ocean Greece initiative. The screening was honoured by the presence of the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and brought together scientists, NGOs, policymakers, and ocean advocates.

SOA Greece also participated in the Elafonissos Eco Event – Lionfish in the Mediterranean II, a three-day interdisciplinary gathering uniting business leaders, legal experts working on environmental legislation, fishers, scientists, and academics. The event focused on practical responses to invasive species, particularly lionfish, including sustainable fishing, policy frameworks, and market-based solutions. The team’s presence highlighted SOA Greece’s role as a connector between youth leadership, science, and local coastal communities.

A Growing Movement for the Ocean

In just its first year, SOA Greece has positioned itself as a connector between youth, science, policy, and coastal communities. By combining education, media engagement, cultural presence, and hands-on action, the team is helping shape a more informed and proactive response to the challenges facing the Mediterranean Sea.

The ocean connects us all. The responsibility does too.