Dare 2B PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES FOR A SECOND YEAR!!!!
Exciting Partnership Announcement
We are thrilled to announce that Dare2B clothing will be supporting Phase 2 of our project. Their commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our goals, and their support will help us achieve greater impact in promoting eco-friendly boating practices. Together, we look forward to protecting our precious marine environment for future generations.
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Protecting Our Seas: Sustainable Sailing Initiative
Recreational sailing, beloved by many sea enthusiasts, has significant detrimental impacts on our marine environment and coastal communities. The Ionian region has seen a rapid increase in charter boats, but there is a lack of information available for users on eco-friendly practices. This has resulted in environmental issues such as the destruction of Posidonia meadows, crucial for marine biodiversity. In 2019, government data indicated there were 170,000 charter boats in Greece, with numbers continuing to rise, leading to overcrowded bays during tourist seasons and exceeding the area’s carrying capacity.
The primary environmental concerns include the degradation of marine biodiversity and habitats, particularly Posidonia meadows, due to uninformed boating practices. Other negative impacts from unsustainable sailing include fuel leaks, engine noise, pollution, strikes on and disruption to marine mammals like sea turtles and dolphins, and littering. To address these issues, the IEF supported Sustainable Sailing Greece in the creation of a Sustainable Sailing pack to educate charter boat users on Greek marine fauna and flora, responsible boating practices, and how to support conservation efforts. This resource aims to help sailors minimize their environmental footprint and positively impact local communities.
Phase 1: Building a Foundation
Phase 1 focused on partnerships, understanding the sector, and promoting eco-friendly boating. The result was the Sustainable Sailing Guide, providing information on local marine life and responsible boating practices. Available both as a booklet and online, it received positive feedback but highlighted the need for more practical information and awareness.
Phase 2: Expanding Our Impact
The IEF is supporting the project aiming to establish a Greek Sustainable Sailing Alliance to promote sustainable nautical tourism throughout the Ionian. This alliance will include charter companies, yacht owners, marinas, local authorities, and community organizations.
Phase 2 will focus on protecting Posidonia meadows and reducing plastic waste. Our dedicated grantee will advocate for eco-moorings and create educational materials on safe anchoring. To address plastic waste, we will explore partnerships to repurpose plastic bottles and increase potable water refill stations. Building on the success and relationships established in Phase 1, Phase 2 will implement tangible projects that encourage sustainable practices in the charter boating sector.