Year: 2020

For the second consecutive year, the project receives co-financing from the Green Fund for the implementation of the actions of MOm / Hellenic Society for the study and protection of the Monk Seal within the framework of its Funding Program "EUROPEAN LIFE PROGRAM 2020".  

Today is the International Day for Biological Diversity and news from the shady and cool riparian alder forests of Andros confirms that even in well-studied areas biodiversity can still surprise us. In the understory of alder stands at Vourkoti, Dr. Panagiotis Trigas discovered a new-to-science plant species. It is a species of wild onion of the genus Allium, one of the richest genera of flowering plants in the northern hemisphere. Mr. Trigas named the species Allium stamatiadae, in honour of the Andriot botanist Elli Mandaraka-Stamatiadou (Andros 1933 - Athens 2015). He told us: "Elli Mandaraka-Stamatiadou was curator of the herbarium of the Goulandris Natural History Museum from 1965 to 2009. She was the greatest contributor to the Museum's botanical collections and one of the most important collectors in the long history…

  A large part of the island, as well as of its surrounding marine environ­ment, is of particular value for biodiversity, not only at local and nation­al, but also at European level, and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Three Natura 2000 sites have been established for the protection of Andros’ special characteristics and the protected species and habitats it hosts. Among them are: The vast Posidonia sea-grass beds found along its entire coastline in depths from 5 to 40 meters, as well as the rich in biodiversity coral for­mations at greater depths, The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), which is one of the most endangered marine mammal species in Europe, Protected bird species, the most important of which are the Eleono­ra’s falcon (Falco eleonorae), the Mediterranean shag (Phalacrocorax…

The project participated in the contest #EUinmyregion and was among the winners for April 2020. #EUinmyregion is a co-created communication campaign that aims to increase the visibility of EU-funded projects across Europe. In the framework of the campaing a monthly postcard competition is carried out. The project participated in the competition for the month April 2020 and was among the winners. More information about the campaign are available here and the winning photos are presented here.  

For the second consecutive year, alder saplings were planted in selected riparian sites at Vori and Lefka. In total, 8,000 plants were planted, by the team of the Municipality of Andros, and are expected to sprout this year’s leaves soon. The saplings developed from alder seeds collected from the forests of Andros during previous years. Following the sowing and seedling development – outside the island - at the premises of the Agricultural University of Athens, in summer they returned in order to adapt to the climatic conditions of Andros. The saplings remained in the nursery at Agadaki estate, Apoikia, until about a month ago, when their growth allowed their final planting. Small – fenced- clusters of alder saplings are now formed next to the streams of Vori and Lefka, where…

The World Forest Day is this year dedicated to the biodiversity that forests host. The alder forests and stands of Andros are an astonishing proof of the high biodiversity hiding within forests! Over 100 mushroom species have been identified and recorded to date in this particular habitat. Species that develop a selective symbiotic relationship with alder trees, feed on their dead wood or are just found on soil or alder leaf-litter. During autumn and winter of last year, new data emerged regarding the mushrooms diversity in alder forests ad stands of Andros as a result of the investigation performed by the mycological research team of Agricultural University of Athens (Laboratory of General and Agricultural Microbiology). Among others it is noteworthy to mention: The species Fomes fomentarius, i.e. the "tinder fungus",…

The seminars, entitled “Mediterranean Monk Seal Rescue Operation”, which were organized in the framework of the LIFE Andros Park project were successfully held on Friday and Saturday, 6 and 7 of March. The MOm Rescue Team presented to the participants marine mammal rescue techniques, focusing on the Mediterranean monk seal. The first seminar, held on Friday at Andrion Club, was addressed to the island’s public services and the professional fishermen and was organized in collaboration with the Port Authority of Andros. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Port Authority, the Veterinary Service, the Fisheries Association of Andros and the Andrion Club. The second seminar, held on Saturday at the Municipality of Andros, was addressed to local volunteer groups and other sensitive citizens. Among the participants were members of…

The reproduction of the Mediterranean shags of Andros began on the islets and the project’s field team was there to check it. At the same time, sampled the presence of plastics in the nests and collected the plastic and other debris found on the islets and can become traps for birds. The nests that were located under the impenetrable shrubs made their location a challenge. The team went to the islands with the boat of the Municipality of Andros "Calypso". [envira-gallery id="1142"]

In the framework of LIFE Andros Park project, MOm - the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal - invites you to participate in the seminar entitled "Mediterranean Seal Rescue Operation". The aim of the seminar is to inform stakeholders and residents of Andros Island of how they can give aid to a seal in need. The MOm Rescue Team will present to the participants marine mammal rescue techniques, focusing on the Mediterranean monk seal, while a practical training will be also provided. The seminar will take place on Saturday 7/3/2020, at 11.00, at the Town Hall of Andros, in Chora. The practical part of the seminar will take place on the beach of Paraporti. Participants will receive a Certificate of attendance, while a Rescue/Necropsy kit…