Apano Meria

The Social Cooperative Enterprise (SCE) Apano Meria was founded in 2017, motivated by the protection of the environment and sustainable development. Our cooperative consists of a diverse team of 14 members. All members collaborate towards a common goal: promoting a balance between nature, culture, and local development. Our main activity is the Juniperus research and volunteering program, which began implementation in 2022. We have created a space where volunteers and researchers from around the world come together to contribute to programs that benefit both the environment and the community. These programs include research on environmental policy and law, plastic recycling and reuse (Precious Plastic Syros lab), and training in traditional production practices. We also organize environmental education activities, such as educational hikes and practical workshops, which help both locals and visitors learn more about nature, environmental protection, sustainability, and the cultural heritage of Syros. We have created Discover, an initiative to map biodiversity, geology and cultural heritage elements of Syros. Its goal is for locals and visitors exploring Syros to have access to scientific knowledge and folk tradition, gathered in an easy-to-use platform. Since we believe that culture and nature go hand in hand, we host cultural events aimed at creating a personal experience and a deep connection between people and nature, encouraging them to respect and appreciate the unique identity of Syros. We are working towards a future where nature, culture, and cooperation are intertwined, leaving a positive impact on Syros.