Stakeholders from 10 Cycladic islands meet to discuss local action for the environment

Forty participants from twenty-five stakeholders of ten islands of the Cyclades (Syros, Tinos, Amorgos, Milos, Andros, Naxos, Kythnos, Paros, Antiparos, Santorini) participated in the recent islanders’ environmental Cycladic dialogue meeting/workshop, which took place in Syros island. The meeting was organized by the Cyclades Preservation Fund in partnership with the Protected Area of the Cyclades Management Body, the Municipality of Syros and Plastic Free Greece.

The main purpose was the exchange of ideas, knowledge and best practices but mainly to encourage creative dialogue between civil society, social enterprises, local authorities and other organisations already active in the Cycladic islands in terms of sustainability – whether this is waste management or protecting the marine ecosystem, either by protecting flora and fauna, or by eco-tourism, or by raising awareness and environmental education.

The local knowledge was enriched with the presentations of international and European practices, as that of Eric Lombardi, the executive director of Eco-Cycle International and one of the first that introduced the “zero waste” concept and social entrepreneurship 20 years ago in the States. The European “zero waste” progress and its institutional status was presented by Antigone Dalamagas, who represented the Eco Recycling Company and Zero Waste Europe. Finally the funding opportunities through the EU funding instruments were presented by Demetris Homatidis representing the Green Fund and LIFE ENVIRONMENT.

The second part of the workshop brought the participants into an open dialogue through workshops on themes aimed at shaping a realistic vision for the protection of the natural environment in harmony with the wellbeing of local communities. The closing of the workshop resulted in the need to establish a permanent dialogue between the islands, whose support and coordination could play a key role in the Cyclades Preservation Fund. The meeting attracted great attention from the local and national press and is being proposed to become an annual event!