A floating platform for Mediterranean cooperation
On 8 June 2026, the Italian coastal town of Alassio welcomed the first international port of call of WIKI’s Centennial Expedition, a three-year Mediterranean journey led by Help Save The Med, an international environmental and multimedia initiative dedicated to protecting the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Officially launched from the Yacht Club de Monaco, the expedition follows WIKI, a meticulously restored 105 year old sailing yacht that will travel more than 22,000 nautical miles across 24 Mediterranean countries until 2029.
More than a voyage, the expedition is a travelling platform for environmental education, scientific outreach and international collaboration. At every port, it connects local communities, schools, NGOs, scientists, policymakers and businesses to promote practical solutions to the challenges facing the Mediterranean from biodiversity loss and climate change to marine pollution, sustainable tourism and invasive species.
Alassio marked the beginning of this international journey.
Elafonisos Eco: local action with Mediterranean impact
As one of Help Save The Med’s environmental partners, Elafonisos Eco participated in the Alassio programme by sharing the experience it has developed over more than a decade of working to protect the unique island ecosystem of Elafonisos, Greece.
Founded in 2013 under the leadership of Enrico Toja, the organisation has built its work around the belief that effective conservation begins within local communities.
Its projects combine marine biodiversity protection, environmental education, sustainable tourism, beach clean-ups, plastic reduction initiatives, water conservation, citizen engagement and strategic partnerships with municipalities, research institutions, international organisations and the private sector.
This integrated approach demonstrates that environmental protection is not limited to preserving nature but also involves creating resilient communities that actively participate in safeguarding their natural heritage.
Turning environmental challenges into opportunities
One of the key contributions presented in Alassio was Elafonisos Eco’s Lionfish Initiative, an international project addressing one of the Mediterranean’s fastest-growing ecological challenges.
The invasive lionfish (Pterois miles) threatens native biodiversity by disrupting marine food webs and affecting local fisheries. Rather than viewing the species solely as an environmental problem, Elafonisos Eco promotes a solution based on responsible harvesting, gastronomy, scientific collaboration and public awareness.
During the event, guests experienced the “Lionfish Symphony” tasting menu, demonstrating how chefs and restaurants can become active partners in biodiversity conservation.
The initiative illustrates how environmental innovation can simultaneously support ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries and new economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Education and partnerships at the heart of conservation
Beyond the culinary experience, Alassio showcased the importance of education and collaboration in protecting the Mediterranean.
Educational workshops aboard WIKI, public discussions and community activities brought together students, families and local stakeholders, encouraging greater understanding of the environmental challenges facing our shared sea.
For Elafonisos Eco, these activities reflect a long standing commitment to empowering young people and citizens to become active participants in conservation rather than passive observers.
The organisation firmly believes that meaningful environmental change happens when science, education, institutions and communities work together.
A shared vision for the future of the Mediterranean
The first international stop of WIKI’s Centennial Expedition demonstrated that the Mediterranean’s greatest challenges cannot be addressed by individual organisations or countries alone.
Through collaboration between Help Save The Med, Elafonisos Eco, local authorities, environmental organisations, educators and private sector partners, Alassio became an example of how shared knowledge and coordinated action can generate practical solutions for the region.
As WIKI continues its journey across the Mediterranean over the next three years, Elafonisos Eco will continue contributing its experience in community-led conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development, strengthening a growing network of organisations working towards a healthier and more resilient Mediterranean Sea.
Protecting our oceans is a shared responsibility and every collaboration brings us one step closer to achieving it.
About Elafonisos Eco
Elafonisos Eco is a Greek environmental organisation founded in 2013 and dedicated to protecting the natural heritage of Elafonisos and the wider Mediterranean. Through initiatives focused on marine biodiversity, environmental education, sustainable tourism, citizen engagement and international cooperation, the organisation develops practical solutions that connect environmental protection with local economic and social development.
