LIFE Natura Themis celebrated the World Environment Day in Rethymnon. The event was co-organized by the University of Crete - Natural History Museum of Crete, the Municipality of Rethymnon and ARCHELON the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece on Tuesday 5 June 2018, and was open to the public.

This year’s slogan was the hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution. During the event, issues such as i) the dangers the protected marine species are facing from plastic pollution, ii) the services provided by the coastal ecosystems, iii) the sustainable water management in the Municipality of Rethymnon, and iv) the Legislation posed by the Court of Justice of the European Union on the protection of the sea turtle Caretta caretta, were highlighted.

According to Mrs. Maniadaki, Coordinator of the Observatory of West Crete, it is necessary to evaluate the carrying capacity of the area for tourism in order to assess its pressure on the environment. Furthermore the social consensus should be pursued and the society should be made aware that development improves the quality of life and respects it.

The event included lectures, a documentary screening and a press conference. The event took place in the “House of Culture”. At the same time, an interactive game for children took place at the Venetian Port of Rethymnon, in front of the ARCHELON the Sea Turtle Protection Society Information Kiosk and the LIFE Natura Themis Notice Board.