One of the key topics of this year’s Elafonisos Eco Week was “Blue Opportunities.” During the conferences on the second day, Christos Kellas, Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food of Greece, opened his speech by emphasizing the importance of biodiversity as a key resource in combating climate change, reducing natural disasters, and maintaining human health and economic stability.
A highlight of this year’s event, he said, is the official proposal to designate Elafonisos as the “Living Laboratory of Invasive Species in the Mediterranean”, with the Lionfish at the center of this initiative. This would position the island as a hub for research and innovation in tackling marine invasive species.
He noted that Greece has already taken several steps against invasive species, such as legislative actions, awareness campaigns, and research funding. Among the main threats, he cited Lionfish and Lagocephalus, which reproduce quickly and harm biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal economies.
He detailed recent funding efforts:
– €3 million allocated to projects combating invasive species.
– €417,000 for mapping and recording Lionfish in Greek waters.
– €551,000 for piloting commercial use of invasive species.
He also announced that Lionfish now has an official commercial name in Greece, allowing it to be legally traded and marketed. Furthermore, the Ministry has issued a consumer information pamphlet, now available online. He concluded by stating that Greece, with its scientific expertise, is ready to lead regional cooperation across the Mediterranean for the protection of marine ecosystems, aiming to ensure a sustainable future for coastal communities.