Helmepa [Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association] this year celebrates 40 years since Greek shipowners and seafarers inspired by George P Livanos joined forces in an unprecedented move, in a collective desire and voluntary commitment to pass on to future generations a clean and healthy marine environment.
Since its launch in 1982, when environmental challenges were not as imperative as they are today, Helmepa has led the way in mapping best practices, promoting the exchange of knowledge and know-how on the green and digital transition of shipping.
Based on implemented awareness raising campaigns on the marine environmental protection, climate change and maritime safety, Helmepa strengthened the interconnection between the academic community and the shipping industry. Today many organisations and groups are following Helmepa’s lead and organising events aimed saving our seas.
It has also led to the birth of other ‘Mepas’ and on June 6, 2006 Intermepa was born and comprises AUSMEPA (Australia); CYMEPA (Cyprus); HELMEPA; NAMEPA (North America); TURMEPA (Turkey); UKRMEPA (Ukraine); and URUMEPA (Uruguaya).
Helmepa has advanced the employment prospects in the blue economy for youth through the Blue Generation initiative, focusing maritime training for the development/strengthening of professional skills and projected through international collaborations and fora the commitment of the Greek shipping and society for the health of our oceans.
Helmepa’s chairperson Semiramis Paliou, says Helmepa ‘proves to be resilient and adaptable, with fast reflexes to meet the challenges and needs of our time. Our strongest points are the pioneering DNA and of course the people who have shaped us. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers, youth and adults, from Greece and abroad, the shipping community and beyond, the media that help us spread our message, we all share the same mission and belief that we can save the seas,’ said Paliou.
Source: Seatrade Maritime News
