In the context of the Clean Energy for EU Islands Online Forum, on October 30th DAFNI Network organized a Local Transition Day workshop “Promoting the Clean energy transition in Greek island.
In his opening address, the General Director of DAFNI Network, Mr. Kostas Komninos, referred to the positive impact a strategic and integrated management of natural resources and infrastructures will have to the balanced development of islands. Mrs Alexandra Sdoukou, General Secretary of the Ministry of Environment & Energy in her greeting confirmed the Ministry’s support in projects and efforts on islands decarbonization always with respect to their special natural and cultural characteristics. Interventions by the members of the European Parliament, Mrs. Maria Spyraki and Mr. Petros Kokkalis, as well as the CPMR Secretary General, Eleni Marianou stressed the key role European Parliament has towards the creation of financial tools for islands sustainable development. The EU Islands Secretariat was represented by Mrs Antonia Proka, who demonstrated a multitude of actions the Secretariat has developed since 2017. Keynote speeches were delivered by representatives from HEDNO, IPTO, NTUA, RAE and HWEA, who all stressed the need of a clear regulatory framework on projects on islands energy transition.
The last part of the event, was dedicated to three innovative projects that are being implemented on Greek islands: ECOISM, SMILE and INSULAE. A large number of participants attended the event, including many executives of the island local government. The need for coordination of all stakeholders at European, national and local level to promote the islands as places of prosperity and innovation was a common finding. DAFNI, founding member of the Pact of Islands, collaborating body of the Covenant of Mayors, coordinator of the Smart Islands Initiative and official Supporter of the EU Islands Secretariat, will continue to work for the islands’ transition to a local development sustainable model, which utilizes the special natural and cultural capital of the islands.