INTERMEPA, the International Marine Environment Protection Association, representing national MEPAs worldwide, unanimously elected Ms. Semiramis Paliou (HELMEPA Chairperson) and Mr. George Tsavliris (CYMEPA Chairman) as Chairperson and Vice-Chairman of INTERMEPA, for the next two years.

The new heads of INTERMEPA were elected by the high-level Steering Committee, comprising the Chairpersons and Directors of esteemed MEPAs, including CYMEPA (Cyprus), HELMEPA (Greece), NAMEPA (North America), NIMEPA (Nigeria), PHILMEPA (Philippines), TURMEPA (Turkey), UKRMEPA (Ukraine), and URUMEPA (Uruguay).

Mr George Tsavliris has successfully served as INTERMEPA Chairman in the past (elected in 2012).

Ms Semiramis Paliou is the first woman Chairperson, building on the outstanding leadership of Joe Hughes who served as INTERMEPA's Chairperson over the past years, marking during his tenure a groundbreaking revival and progress for the organization

Amidst the challenges presented by the recently revised IMO GHG strategy, aiming for net zero GHG emissions from shipping by 2050, INTERMEPA emerges as a prominent point of reference for sustainable development initiatives worldwide. Through collaborative efforts and the exchange of best practices, the MEPAs reaffirm their unwavering commitment to reducing GHG emissions from shipping, combating marine pollution, promoting sustainable maritime training (ESGs – SDGs), and fostering environmental awareness to support the Blue Economy, focusing on youth engagement.

The newly appointed INTERMEPA Chairperson, Ms. Semiramis Paliou, emphasized the importance of synergy and extensive collaboration among maritime stakeholders and supply chain participants to advance decarbonization and promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She expressed gratitude to the members of the Steering Committee for their trust and extended appreciation to the departing Chairperson, Mr. Joe Hughes, for his remarkable contributions in propelling INTERMEPA's new impetus over the past two years.

The virtual meeting held a special emotional touch with the presence of Mr. Nick Pappadakis, INTERMEPA's first Chairperson back in 2006, who shared insights into the founders' vision for the Association and encouraged further enhancement of synergy across the waves.