Ocean Stewards

Ocean Stewards An Alliance for Ocean Conservation uniting Education, Environment, Technology & Society. Start Now. Become an Ocean Steward.

Founded by The American College of Greece, Chatzigakis Foundation & MEPP. 🌊 Ocean Stewards 2026-2030: Alliance in Purpose, Impact in Action 🌊

We are a multi-year alliance dedicated to the holistic protection of Greek seas. Who We Are: A strategic partnership between the Chatzigakis Foundation, The American College of Greece (ACG), and MEPP, bringing together 150 years of academic excellence and y

ears philanthropic history and environmental work. Our Mission: To find and empower the next "Ocean Stewards"—active guardians of our marine environment. We don't just clean; we educate, innovate, and support local communities. Our 4 Pillars of Action: 📘 Education: Workshops on Blue Economy & Marine Biology. ♻️ Environment: Underwater and Coastal Cleanups, Ghost net removal & Biodiversity protection. 🤖 Technology: Turning ocean waste into circular items. 🤝 Society: Supporting remote islands, schools, families & promoting public health ("One Health").

🌍 🌊 Bridging Continents for a Blue Future!Incredibly proud to be featured on the cover of The Greek Herald (Ο Ελληνικός ...
23/07/2026

🌍 🌊 Bridging Continents for a Blue Future!
Incredibly proud to be featured on the cover of The Greek Herald (Ο Ελληνικός Κήρυκας), Australia's largest national Greek daily newspaper.

In a special three-page spread published on July 10, 2026, Secretary-General Elisabeth S. Chatzigakis of Πολιτιστικό Ίδρυμα Χατζηγάκη / Chatzigakis Foundation, representing the OS Alliance as the program's and Penny Sahinis, representing the OS Alliance as the 1st Major for the Greek Diaspora, discuss how the Ocean Stewards Program is powerfully uniting Greece and Australia under a shared mission for clean seas and sustainable marine ecosystems.

Key highlights from our feature:

1. Strategic Alliances: Secretary-General Elisabeth S. Chatzigakis emphasizes that protecting our oceans requires robust, long-term alliances rather than fragmented, isolated actions this is the foundation of Ocean Stewards, joining forces with powerhouses with expertise and gravitas such as Deree - The American College of Greece - Sustainability at ACG and MEPP- Mediterranean Company Environmental Protection.

2. Diaspora Engagement: Penny Sahinis, our very first Ocean Stewards Champion for the diaspora, shares her inspiring vision of how the Greek community in Australia can become a major driving force in this program with measurable impact and strong connectors to the homeland.

3. Circular Innovation & Youth Engagement: We explore the multi-level impact of our program, including field & underwater cleanups and the innovative Ocean Stewards Collection, which features 3D-printed lifestyle items made entirely from recycled marine plastic and this directly bound to youth empowerment with students standing at the forefront as the future opinion leaders.

A huge thank you to journalist Ilias Karagiannis for capturing the heart of our mission so vividly.






A Powerful Alliance for the Oceans: Welcoming as Global Ocean Guardian 🌐⚓The Ocean Stewards alliance is rapidly scaling...
13/07/2026

A Powerful Alliance for the Oceans: Welcoming as Global Ocean Guardian 🌐⚓

The Ocean Stewards alliance is rapidly scaling its impact, and we are profoundly honored to announce Motor Oil as a Four-Pillar Leader (Global Ocean Guardian) of our 4-year marine conservation program.

As an energy leader, ’s landmark support represents a monumental step forward for our program. This major partnership bridges large-scale corporate responsibility with academic innovation, scientific research, and environmental policy & action. Together, we are turning the principles of circular economy into direct, measurable action for our Mediterranean ecosystems and beyond.

With the strategic backing of , the Ocean Stewards Program is set to reach unprecedented heights.

When industry leaders join the current, the wave of change becomes unstoppable. 🌊🛡️

09/07/2026

The deep blue needs a powerful voice. 🌊
We are proud to announce CNN Greece , our Official Media Sponsor for our four-year long program.

Ocean Stewards is leading the wave of change across our coastlines and underwater ecosystems. As we continue our hands-on work removing pollution from our beaches and seas, CNN Greece reece joins the alliance to help share our mission and bring critical awareness to marine conservation.

By amplifying our impact, we can reach more people and make a bigger difference. Joining our voices we become louder, stronger for oceans. 💙🌍

07/07/2026

🌊 Welcoming Save Your Hood - Greece (Ελλάδα) to the Ocean Stewards Program! 🌊

We are thrilled to announce that the nationwide volunteer movement, Save Your Hood, has officially joined the Ocean Stewards program! Anchoring our environmental efforts, they are known for their tireless work to revitalize neighborhoods and fight for society, people, the environment, and wildlife. Their core mission to reconnect humans with the environment perfectly aligns with our holistic vision for a sustainable future.

At the heart of Ocean Stewards is a deep belief in the power of synergies. While their work follows the main pillar of the environment, this partnership also brings powerful implications for society and education. We are partnering to highlight the problems facing our immediate environment and common spaces, and to find solutions together for a better tomorrow.

We know that protecting our natural resources and creating true systemic change requires collaboration, not isolation.

Vassilis Sfakianopoulos, founder of Save Your Hood, perfectly highlights this dedication in his latest message: "We join forces with the rest of the Ocean Stewards and we do our best to save whatever we can save."

By joining forces, we can amplify our reach, bridging environmental stewardship with grassroots community action to drive meaningful, holistic change together.

Together, we are stronger. Welcome to the OS alliance, Save Your Hood! 💙🌍

01/07/2026

🌊 Welcoming Emfasis Non-Profit to the Ocean Stewards Program! 🌊

​We are thrilled to announce that the amazing team of NGO Emfasis Non-Profit has officially joined the Ocean Stewards Community of CSOs, anchoring our Society Pillar! Known for their tireless frontline work fighting for equal rights to a safe life with dignity for homeless people, their mission to empower and support the most vulnerable perfectly aligns with our holistic vision for a sustainable future.

​At the heart of Ocean Stewards is a deep belief in the power of synergies across our core pillars—Education, Environment, Technology, and Society. We were intentionally built with a flexible structure so that we can seamlessly partner with organizations that are already doing extraordinary work on the ground.

We know that protecting our natural resources and creating true systemic change requires collaboration, not isolation.

​Sophia Santorinaiou, from Emfasis Non-Profit, perfectly highlights in her atest video: "being part in this strategic alliance our aim is to prove that the protection and care of the ecosystem and vulnerable social groups are two sides of the same coin"

By joining forces, we can amplify our reach, bridging environmental stewardship with social justice to drive meaningful, holistic change together.

​Together, we are stronger.
Welcome to the OS alliance, Emfasis Non-Profit💙🌍

​

We are thrilled to officially welcome Rotary District 2475 - Greece as our newest Partner for the Ocean Stewards Prog...
30/06/2026

We are thrilled to officially welcome Rotary District 2475 - Greece as our newest Partner for the Ocean Stewards Program 🌊🤝

​This powerful new collaboration, cemented by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, reinforces our commitment to a collective force for action, representing the OS Alliance was, General Secretary of Πολιτιστικό Ίδρυμα Χατζηγάκη / Chatzigakis Foundation, Elisabeth S. Chatzigakis, together with District Governor Dr. Stefanos Anastasopoulos, Assistant Governor Mr. Giannis Chalikias and District Member Ms. Rachel Topalidou, we are combining resources and passion to drive forward in three of our four core pillars:

​🌱 Environment Pillar: Implementing sustainable solutions for ocean health.

📚 Education Pillar: Inspiring the next generation of Ocean Stewards through learning.

🤝 Society Pillar: Engaging communities to take a stand for our blue planet.

​By working together, we can turn ripples of change into waves of impact.

✒️ Note: The MoU was signed by the part of the of items created from recycled plastic from the oceans.

Stay tuned for exciting initiatives from this partnership!

​

18/06/2026

Announcing our first for the Greek Diaspora in Australia - Meet Penny!

Last week we launched the Ocean Stewards Program 2026-2030 on World Ocean Day at a special event held at the American College of Greece. An evening of many highlights, we were delighted to announce the first OS Champion for the Greek Diaspora as we seek to build bridges and connection; turning action into impact.

Penny Sahinis grew up in Queensland, Australia…Also referred to as the Sunshine State and indeed Penny is the embodiment of sunshine, she first snorkelled on the Great Barrier Reef and her love for oceans remains solid ever since.

As the representative of the Greek Diaspora in Australia, Penny is proud to embark on this quest with us and connect the Greek diaspora. In her newly minted role, she is excited to share that the first item from the Ocean Stewards Collection (1,500 pen packs = 6,000 pens collected & produced from ocean waste) will be made available in Australia. The packs travelling 15,000 km to find Penny and the diaspora community. Watch this space!

Penny braved the winter of Melbourne beaming across our screens on Monday at our special announcement event and it felt like we were all standing together at the beach over in Australia.

Ocean Stewards proudly serves its mission under the auspices of the Embassy of Australia in Athens and we dearly thank H.E. Ambassador Alison Duncan for her commitment and passion for the program.

She will be visiting us soon in Greece to witness firsthand the Ocean Stewards efforts, passion and commitment. We cannot wait!




🌊 Dive into the deep blue with us this Monday 🌊We are thrilled to announce a special screening of the powerful film, "Th...
05/06/2026

🌊 Dive into the deep blue with us this Monday 🌊
We are thrilled to announce a special screening of the powerful film, "The Forgotten Pacific," taking place during our upcoming event: Ocean Stewards on Campus: An Evening Dedicated to the Deep Blue.

Carrying the compelling message "Save the Pacific, Save the World", this film screening is powered by Ocean Stewards and proudly supported by the Australian Embassy Greece .

Beyond the film, the evening will be packed with engaging activities, including open dialogues, insightful keynotes, and a few exciting surprises.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Time: 18:00 - 21:00
Location: ACG Events Hall
Hosts: Brought to you by the Office of Sustainability – Public Affairs (The American College of Greece), Chatzigakis Foundation, and MEPP Environmental.

Mark your calendars and join us for an inspiring night dedicated to our oceans. See you there! ✨

03/06/2026

Το Αμερικανικό Κολλέγιο Ελλάδος, το Ίδρυμα Χατζηγάκη και η MEPP Environmental, απευθύνουν ανοιχτή πρόσκληση στο ευρύ κοινό για το 1ο μεγάλο on-campus event του προγράμματος Ocean Stewards.

Η εκδήλωση με τίτλο "Ocean Stewards on Campus: An Evening Dedicated to the Deep Blue" θα πραγματοποιηθεί τη Δευτέρα, 8 Ιουνίου 2026, στο ACG Events Hall στην Αγία Παρασκευή.

https://www.cnn.gr/oikonomia/nea-tis-agoras/story/536864/ocean-stewards-on-campus-mia-vradia-afieromeni-sto-aperanto-galazio

Partnering with CNN Greece for the Deep Blue 🌐🌊 — We are proud to announce CNN Greece as the Official Media Sponsor for ...
03/06/2026

Partnering with CNN Greece for the Deep Blue 🌐🌊 — We are proud to announce CNN Greece as the Official Media Sponsor for our upcoming event, "Ocean Stewards on Campus: An Evening Dedicated to the Deep Blue."

Having one of the country's leading news networks by our side reinforces our mission to bring marine conservation to the forefront of public dialogue. Together, we are amplifying the voices, the science, and the corporate alliances working to protect our seas

Join us on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 18:00 to 21:00 at the ACG Events Hall for an inspiring evening featuring:

• 🎬 A Special Screening of Film
• 💬 Open Dialogues on Sustainability
• 🎤 Keynote Speakers & Surprises

Let’s write the next chapter of environmental stewardship together.

📍 Where: ACG Events Hall
📅 When: Monday, June 8, 2026 | 18:00 - 21:00
🙌🏻 Register: https://forms.gle/Rz7CWqDpg6qJkZoC7

Organized by the Office of Sustainability - Public Affairs (ACG), Chatzigakis Foundation, and MEPP Environmental.

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