In an era where the protection of the marine environment is a more pressing need than ever, HELMEPA continues to prove that collective commitment and collaboration can transform Greek society’s relationship with the sea. With 43 years of uninterrupted action and contribution, HELMEPA remains a living organism that inspires, educates, and mobilizes thousands of people across the country — and beyond.
The words of Ms. Palious, President of HELMEPA during the 47th Annual Regular General Assembly, capture the reinforcement of this imprint: “Every year we break the records of the previous year in participation, in actions, in reach, in resonance, and in impact.”
The 47th Annual Regular General Assembly took place on Thursday, November 13, followed by the elections for the formation of the new Board of Directors.
As the President characteristically mentioned, the historic record of 376 member-companies is a confirmation that the shipping community cares, commits, and looks after the health of the seas. “43 years after the creation of HELMEPA by George Livanos and a group of visionaries, our work remains alive, relevant, and effective.”
Action Report
In her report on HELMEPA’s accomplishments in 2024, Ms. Palious focused on the actions and synergies aimed at the health of the seas. In more detail, regarding cleanups, “we achieved a new participation record, implementing 316 cleanups across Greece with more than 15,000 volunteers, covering 77 km of coastline. A collective result that would not have been possible without the participation of 400 entities, member-companies, schools, municipalities, and civil society organizations.” At the same time, the new institution “Adopt a Beach” matured and was established, with 18 beaches having been adopted by members and by schools and being systematically monitored, among them the beach of the former PIKPA in Voula. “We are truly proud not only because we clean the beach but because we ensure the ability for children with disabilities to have access to and enjoy the sea,” Ms. Palious emphasized.
Also noteworthy are the 208 hours of training through the “HELMEPA e-Academy” initiative for more than 3,200 seafarers and office staff from 25 countries with 67 instructors.
With a strategic turn towards extroversion, the impact of HELMEPA’s work was also reflected at an international level. “A characteristic example is our largest mission to the US Coast Guard in Washington, where we had a meeting with the leadership and a substantial open dialogue aimed at better preparation for more effective inspections in US waters. The next visit has already been scheduled for March 2026.”
At the level of collaborations, Ms. Palious focused on the one with the Hellenic Marine Club. Through “Blue Horizons,” young people come into contact with the sea and shipping, she emphasized. Similarly, through the collaboration with the Stelios Haji-Ioannou Foundation in the Ocean Aware program “we enhance ocean literacy in schools and local communities,” while the Chios Climate Chance in collaboration with the “Maria Tsakos” and “Ioannis Latsis” Public Benefit Foundations trained over 8,000 Chians as climate ambassadors.
“The common denominator is not just the success of the actions but the human impact.
Tens of thousands of young people, children, professionals and citizens are informed, sensitized, participate and form a new relationship with the sea.
“We will continue with momentum, especially now that we have also envisioned a space open to all, the ‘HΕLMEPA Home’, where everyone will connect with the sea. A gift from HELMEPA to society, a legacy to the next generations,” concluded Ms. Paliou.
Financial Health
Mr. Aristeidis Pittas, Treasurer of HELMEPA, visibly moved, as after 13 years of uninterrupted presence on the Board, he decided not to be a candidate, focused on the 2024 financial results.
As he characteristically pointed out, in the last five years of his tenure as treasurer, a 50% increase was recorded in all metrics.
For 2024, HELMEPA had revenues of 1.5 million euros, with 1.1 million euros coming from subscriptions. Its profits amounted to 76,000 euros, while the reserve now stands at approximately 3 million euros, up from 2 million five years ago. As Mr. Pittas emphasized, the increase in the reserve enables HELMEPA to carry out its actions without donations and sponsorships.
For 2025, which is almost complete, the financial metrics continue to increase and a surplus of around 200-250,000 euros is recorded.
A small token of gratitude to the Konstantakopoulos family
The 47th Annual Regular General Assembly concluded with a statement by Mr. Achilleas Konstantakopoulos. The President, speaking with touching words about the inspirer of “Junior HELMEPA” Captain Vassilis Konstantakopoulos, said: “Junior HELMEPA is today stronger than ever and continues to belong to the children exactly as Captain Vassilis Konstantakopoulos had envisioned it, who for us remains our compass and our inspiration.”
As a small token of gratitude for all these years of support from the Konstantakopoulos family to “Junior HELMEPA”, Ms. Paliou presented him with a small souvenir from a project created by the second kindergarten of Messinia, the family’s place of origin.
Mr. Konstantakopoulos commented in his speech:
“Junior HELMEPA always held a special place in our father’s heart. He deeply believed that the substantial protection of the marine environment starts with the knowledge, awareness, and love cultivated from a young age. From 1993 to today, this program continues to inspire thousands of children and educators across Greece, keeping his vision alive and passing on the message of responsibility towards nature to the next generations. It is truly moving to see how this vision continues to flourish thanks to the dedication and consistency of all those who have served HELMEPA all these years.”
Photo: Naftika Chronika
