Self-guided walking holiday in Ithaca, Greece

Planet

The walking holidays are organised with a collaboration with the outdoor centre which regularly participates in important environmental activities in both the island and the surrounding area. To date there have been two major underwater clean ups to rid the island of the debris, plastic and metal left behind by abandoned fish farms and fishing nets. These clean ups have been carried out in collaboration with international organisations funded by charities and grants. Both Healthy Seas and Ghost Diving have been instrumental in achieving the project of cleaning the island. This represents a great advance in protecting marine life such as the endangered monk seal, the local turtles and fish life.
The plastic nets are recycled and made into clothing such as socks and t-shirts as well as into fabrics.
Walking the island paths is important to maintain them open and raise awareness of the cultural legacy that the island has among its visitors and inhabitants.

People

The organisations that work on these clean ups make events in the local square to educate the local population on the benefits of having a clean environment. In the past 2 years there have been VR sets available to children to show them the diving experience and the difference between clean and polluted sea environments. They also show the importance to maintain the environment for the local wild life.
We have also participated in events with Healthy Seas where they have shown the products made from recycled ghost nets to show the importance of both cleaning the oceans and recycling plastic materials. These exhibitions have been mainly targeted at the younger population with the aim to educate them on the importance of cleaning the environment and recycling plastic.
The community also participates on the beach clean ups and the main clean up projects are supported by the local schools.
The outdoor centre and the accommodation are locally owned and provide employment for the local community.