In mid-September, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature hosted and coordinated the event “A small discussion on Ocean Literacy and the Black Sea” at the Axios Delta Information Center, located at the offices of the Management Unit of Protected Areas of Central Macedonia in Chalastra, within the framework of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin EOL project.Focusing on environmental education and the concept of ocean literacy, we explored together the importance of understanding the role that seas and oceans play in our lives, as well as the continuous and reciprocal relationship we share with them.

Beyond its focus on ocean literacy and the Black Sea, the event also emphasized empowering local communities who live in, work in, and visit its coasts, as well as the surrounding and interconnected areas. As a continuation of the two multi-day Training of Trainers (ToT) seminars held in the spring, these discussions encouraged participants to take on the role of trainers in their own local communities, with a strong emphasis on passing on the knowledge gained.

Mrs. Themis Nasopoulou, national parks and wetlands guide from the Management Unit, who had participated in the second multi-day ToT seminar held in Burgas, Bulgaria, joined the discussion and shared her experience. She also reflected on the goals of the educational activity from her own perspective, now taking on the role of “Trainer.”

We warmly thank the Axios Delta Information Center for its welcome and hospitality, as well as all colleagues from the Center  and from the Koroneia–Volvi–Chalkidiki National Park who actively participated in the event.