Simon Karythis

The key remit of the foundation is to pool funding from people and businesses who love the Ionians, as we do, and to distribute those funds to effective and deserving local environmental initiatives. There are numerous local organisations working to protect wonderful areas of natural beauty and ecological value in the Ionian Islands. Sometimes this work will restore ecosystems and biodiversity, other times it will be needed to prevent negative things from happening. Most often resources are very scarce, whilst love for nature is abundant. The IEF will be working alongside the best of those local organisations focused on environmental projects on the islands, in order to identify and support the areas where we can have the most significant and positive long-term impact. When capacity to tackle something important is lacking, we will seek to initiate and develop a project, with expert partners, and always with the aim to achieve lasting impact. Projects will be identified from within our five areas of interest and can range from beach / coastal cleaning exercises to supporting farmers to encourage local food production, to working with marine research organisations to improve the marine conservation efforts. For the first years and given the situation on most islands, we will be focusing on the following themes: - waste management, - marine conservation, - landscape and biodiversity, - water resources Eligible projects and campaigns must contribute to protecting, sustaining, restoring and raising awareness of the islands’ natural environment, as well as to promote and work on sustainable ways of living and operating. Through the people's support, the IEF will be able to promote and improve the sustainability of these marvellous islands and seas. Therefore, please help us and get involved.