Action on sustainable projects Insular Areas
ENNEREG Replication and Regional Event

Participants in this event were informed about the prospects for sustainable developement of the Cyclades islands and wanted to learn more about the ELENA facility. Also it was a great oportunity for them to meet their colleagues from other regions and share common problems and visions. They included representatives of regional authorities, municipalities and development agencies from the Cyclades, Dodekanisa, North Aegean and Ionian islands, Greece.

There were presentations that added knowledge and triggered discussion concerning SEPs, SEAP implementation and COM. Barriers were mentioned such as the new structures and procedures, the delays and the conflicts that the new Administrational reform has brought. One of the outputs of the workshop was that the participants were very interested on technical and funding issues. They need supportive actions either in technical, financial or dissemination fields.

CRES presented the status of the regional SEAP for Cyclades and regional stakeholders were very interested about the data and facts that are included in that presentation. They realized that their involvement in NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework) programs for Development, gave them valuable experience for SEAP implementation.

The presentation from the “Energy for Mayors” project and the discussion that followed clarified the situation concerning the commitment of a Mayor and also the advantages the municipality gain after signature.  Especially regional stakeholders were informed about the ELENA facility and need to explore the funding opportunities available.

The regional consultant D. Gryparis declared the urgent need for “green” development and energy efficiency in the islands of the region. He emphasised the potential for the exploitation of the wind energy as it is advisable for the Aegean islands. He also presented the main priorities of the Region.

The representative of Dafni network highlighted actions regarding recycling and mentioned the willingness of the municipality to undertake new practices in that field. He also described the Isle Pact project and the opportunities the islands may gain from it.

It was a unique opportunity for Cyclades region stakeholders to meet the partners from ENNEREG pioneer regions and learn about European Sustainable projects and also to compare the differences and similarities among European regions. The European dimension of the workshop inspired the local authorities to start/continue their work toward Sustainability. Especially they had the chance to learn about the Sustainable Energy Good practices in Madeira region which is a similar region to the Cyclades.