Santo Maris Oia Raises Environmental Awareness of Santorini Students

The Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa and the Greek non-profit organization Agoni Grammi Gonimi have successfully completed the first year of their innovative environmental program titled “We Are the Environment”, which aimed to raise environmental awareness among high school students of the island of Santorini in the Cyclades.

Launched in July 2018, the program’s main goal was to raise awareness on the importance of environmental protection against the improvident use of plastic. It also succeeded in bringing entities and companies together, based on UN’s 17th Sustainable Goal focusing on partnerships.

The initiative’s first phase saw students from three high schools of Santorini attend a number of environmental workshops, held with the participation of organizations such as the Archipelagos – Institute of Marine Conversation, the Hellenic Oceanographers Association and Aegean Rebreath.

The second phase of the program included the creation of the “WaterBag”, an eco-friendly bag made of cloth, which was distributed through specific selling points and supporters all over Greece.

According to Santo Maris Oia, a total of 300 “WaterBags” were sold and the revenues were donated to the General High School of Santorini for the purchase of necessary equipment including air-conditions, a projector and sports equipment.

“Through this program, we did the least possible, aiming to contribute to your environmental education,” said Santo Maris Oia General Manager Manos Borboudakis, speaking to students during a recent event held at the General High-School.

Santo Maris Oia General Manager Manos Borboudakis and Agoni Grammi Gonimi President Stefanos Nollas.

“The support of the local communities, in which the Metaxas Group operates, is the basis of our philosophy… The hope of this beautiful island depends on you, your generation and your will to make white the dominant color of your everyday life, by simply doing your best for a better and sustainable tomorrow,” Borboudakis added.

“We are the Environment” will continue in 2019, with the sale of more “Waterbags” and new activities. Further information can be found on the www.waterbags.gr website.