
The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature is a nation-wide environmental NGO that has been continuously active since 1951 for the protection of the natural environment in Greece. Its mission is to inform and sensitize both Greeks and those who love Greece for the natural heritage of our country and to work for its protection.
The HSPN is actively involved in the following key areas:
– Environmental interventions
– Nature conservation projects
– Environmental education with five networks approved by the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs
– Raising awareness among the public on environmental issues
From 1958, the position of General Secretary was held by the late Byron Antipas, who was the driving force of the HSPN for 35 years. His pivotal role in the early environmental movement in Greece was illustrated by the fact that he was sent as the official representative of the national government in 1971 to sign the Ramsar Convention on behalf of Greece. Antipas’ seminal work in nature protection has been widely recognized by many international organizations. In gratitude for his great contribution, the HSPN has established the “Byron Antipas Prize”.
The HSPN is a member of important environmental organizations such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It also represents the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a worldwide educational organisation, and it operates all five of FEE’s international programmes, two sustainable development programmes – the Blue Flag Programme and the Green Key Programme -, and three educational programmes – the Eco-Schools Network, the Young Reporters for the Environment and the Learning about Ecosystems and Forests programme.

Perasma is an art platform based in Istanbul, founded by Burcu Fikretoğlu and Gizem Naz Kudunoğlu. Perasma’s mission is to stage ambitious exhibitions in new and unexpected places around the world and provide a dynamic stage to bring the work of emerging and established artists to new audiences.
The platform strives to forge connections between Istanbul and its surrounding region’s arts community with the wider international art world, showcasing works by local and international artists side by side. Founded in 2017, Perasma has since collaborated with more than 60 artists, including Anish Kapoor, Alfredo Jaar, Joan Jonas and William Kentridge.
Perasma recently presentd All Things Become Islands Before My Senses, a group exhibition of site-specific installations in dialogue with historic venues across the island of Leros this summer. Opening from 30 June – 18 August 2024, the exhibition will feature a mixture of new and existing works by more than 17 international artists including William Kentridge, Goshka Macuga, Cevdet Erek, Maryam Turkey and Lindsey Mendick, installed across six significant locations on the island.
Since 1953, MELISSA Publishing House offers a curated selection of illustrated books on art and architecture, capturing the essence of human creativity and cultural heritage. Each book is a journey through the beauty of our world, exquisitely presented for discerning collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Melissa offers a rich collection of children’s illustrated books on subjects such as architecture, art, archaeology, and cinema. They hold the exclusive rights to publish MoMA books in Greece, aiming to build a creative bridge between children and art.
Awards:
- By the Academy of Athens for the publication Album of the Greek Revolution of 1821.
- By the Ministry of Culture for the conception and publishing excellence of the book Greek Traditional Jewelry.
- By the American Institute of Architects for the book The Parthenon and Its Impact on Modern Times.
International Recognitions:
- Distinctions at international exhibitions, including the Frankfurt Book Fair (repeatedly for excellently printed books) and the American Booksellers Exhibition.