DAFNI Network of Sustainable Greek Islands is a Development Organization of Local Government (DOLG), representing island municipalities. It was established in 2006 with the aim of strengthening local governance in the islands and promoting a sustainable development model for island regions. This model is based on the sustainable and smart management of natural resources and infrastructure, the development of sustainable tourism that leverages the islands’ natural and cultural assets, and the effective integration of the primary, secondary, and tertiary economic sectors.
DAFNI Network currently has 55 shareholders, of which 54 are island municipalities in the Aegean and Ionian Seas and the Regional Union of Municipalities of the Ionian Islands. Thanks to its systematic and multifaceted action and the breadth of collaborations it has developed, DAFNI is recognized as a true ally of the islands, both at national and European level. This is because it has excellent scientific and technical training, deep knowledge of local needs and the development potential of the islands, as well as a commitment, over time, to the implementation of integrated solutions that respond to the identified needs of each island individually.
DAFNI Network:
- participates as partner and/or associate partner in numerous national and European projects, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and the realization of projects benefitting its members;
- serves as the official supporter of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and the Pact of Islands in island-members, having developed over 30 Sustainable Energy Action Plans;
- coordinates the Smart Islands Initiative, supported by more than 200 island authorities, networks of islands and organizations from across Europe, which aims to mobilize combined investment tools for unlocking islands’ smart and integrated territorial development.
Vision
The transition of islands into a local development paradigm that harnesses their unique natural and cultural capital, creates sustainable growth and offers high-quality of life to residents and visitors
Objective
Supporting, empowering local government, raising awareness and actively involving citizens in the implementation of projects with a positive impact for local development in areas such as: green energy, environment, sustainable tourism, circular economy, sustainable mobility, education and employment.
Structure & Operation
DAFNI Network is a development organization of insular local authorities (1st level). It is run by a General Assembly (G.A.) and a seven-member Board of Directors (BoD).
The G.A. is the supreme body of the Organization and may decide on any matter concerning the Organization, except for those which, as per the Law or the Articles of Association, are decided by the Board of Directors.
Upon its election, the BoD shall convene and elect its President and Vice-president. Among its responsibilities, it appoints the Director-General, convenes and defines the agenda items of the General Assembly. The Director-General shall participate in the meetings of the Board of Directors without the right to vote and is responsible for managing corporate affairs, contributing to the promotion and fulfilment of the goals of the Network.
The resources of the Network come from members’ contributions, sponsorships, donations, grants, European and other programs.
DAFNI in numbers
