Partner Spotlight: Restoring the Greek Seas – A Shared Commitment with the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation

In this edition of our Partner Spotlight series, we are honored to feature the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, a key partner in our most recent large-scale cleanup mission in Methana, Greece.

Last year, our collaboration took shape at sea during the removal of an abandoned fish farm — a complex and demanding operation requiring logistical expertise, marine capacity, and strong teamwork. The Foundation supported the mission by providing their vessel Typhoon and its dedicated crew, who worked side by side with the Healthy Seas team and the divers of Ghost Diving. Together, they recovered marine litter from the ghost farm, cut and prepared the materials for transport, and ensured the safe and efficient execution of the operation. This partnership reflects something essential: meaningful ocean restoration requires not only commitment, but also vessels, expertise, and long-term presence in the field.

We spoke with the Foundation’s Executive Director, Peggy Xirotagarou, about what the ocean means personally, the power of collaboration, and how sustained action can restore Greece’s shores.

Q&A with Peggy Xirotagarou, Executive Director, Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation

Tell us briefly about your organisation.

The Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation was established in 2016 to act as a catalyst on important issues concerning Greece and Hellenism. Our work focuses on environmental protection, promoting employment and small business entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives for the common good. We design and implement our own programs while also supporting the work of trusted partners. Rooted in collaboration, we join forces with non-profits, scientists, institutions, and fellow funders to create a measurable impact. By combining research, innovation, and strong local partnerships, we aim to empower communities and inspire change that begins at the local level and resonates far beyond it.

What does the ocean mean to you personally?

Ever since I can remember, the sea has been part of my identity. As Greeks, we grow up with the sea as a constant presence… in our childhood summers, in our history, in our stories, in our sense of belonging. It shapes our culture, our livelihoods, even our language. The sea reminds me where I come from, and how deeply connected I am to something far greater than myself.

Earth or Mars?

Earth. Its beauty, complexity, and generosity are boundless. Before dreaming of escaping to Mars, we should learn to protect the extraordinary planet we already have.

What is one small habit everyone can adopt to help reduce ocean pollution?

Reducing the use of single-use plastics in our daily lives. Small daily choices, multiplied by millions, create profound change.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about marine pollution?

That most of marine pollution begins on land. This understanding led us to create the “Cyclone Project” in our foundation, to tackle pollution at its source before it reaches the sea.

What’s the most memorable thing you have experienced with/thanks to Healthy Seas?

One memorable thing that I have experienced with Healthy Seas was witnessing the results of our joint efforts to remove abandoned fishing gear from sensitive marine areas. Seeing damaged habitats begin to recover and marine life return to places that had been silent for years was deeply powerful. It showed me that when knowledge, commitment, and cooperation come together, real and measurable change is possible. That experience reinforced my belief that while the challenges facing our oceans are immense, so is our capacity to restore and protect them.

If you could send one message to the world about ocean conservation, what would it be?

Every second breath we take comes from the ocean. Protecting it is not optional; it is fundamental to our own survival and well-being.

Can you share a moment when you felt truly hopeful about the future of our oceans?

The feedback we get from our educational programs at the Foundation is really inspiring. When young people understand the value of the ocean, they grow into adults who protect it. That is real, lasting hope.

What’s the most incredible transformation you’ve seen as a result of ocean cleanup efforts?

Through the ‘’Typhoon Project’’, I’ve seen what long-term commitment can truly achieve. Over almost seven years of constant presence in the field and thousands of hours of cleanups, the project is committed in restoring Greece’s inaccessible shores. Since February 2023, the ‘’Typhoon Project’’ has launched a second nationwide cleanup cycle, and the results are already encouraging. The very shores we cleaned during the first phase are now showing improvements of up to 80%.

How has your work with Healthy Seas changed your perspective on a particular problem or challenge?

Our successful collaboration with Healthy Seas reinforced my belief that targeted, science-based collaboration can deliver measurable and lasting environmental recovery.

If you could solve one ocean-related issue instantly, what would it be?

First that comes in mind is the ever so important issue of microplastics. Solving the problem of microplastics instantly would protect biodiversity, improve seafood safety, and help restore the natural balance of marine ecosystems.

How do you see your organization evolving to support ocean sustainability in the next decade?

By expanding field programs nationally and internationally, deepening partnerships, strengthening research, and investing even more in education, because real sustainability is built collectively and across generations.

What’s one thing you’d love to do with Healthy Seas in the future?

Launch another large-scale restoration project in the Greek seas.

What is your favourite marine animal and why?

The starfish… resilient, regenerative, and quietly remarkable.

Sailing Toward Impact Together

The Methana ghost farm cleanup demonstrated how powerful strategic partnerships can be when logistics, expertise, and long-term environmental commitment converge. With the support of the Typhoon vessel and its crew, this operation became more than a cleanup — it became a visible example of how collaboration restores ecosystems and protects communities. At Healthy Seas, we believe that meaningful ocean protection requires strong alliances. The Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation shows how field action, and science-based strategy can combine to generate measurable impact.

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