Mayors commit to sustainable practices at Elafonisos Eco-Symposium

Mayors from various regions across Greece gathered at the 7th eco-symposium in Elafonisos to pledge their commitment to sustainable development during the Summit of Sustainable Development (SOSD2).

The event was a highlight of this year’s Elafonisos Eco Week, held from June 10 to 16, organized by Elafonisos Eco with the support of Prince ALbert of Monaco.

Elafonisos Eco, established in 2013, leads environmental actions on the island, including tree planting, beach clean-ups, and promoting sustainable practices globally through initiatives like Monaco Ocean Week 2024.

Through the summit, the union of municipalities in collaboration with the municipality of Elafonisos, brought together decision-makers to share their past sustainability efforts and future plans. Key topics included inter-municipal cooperation and strategies for ecological preservation.

Representatives from Tilos, Kea, Andros, Kalamata, Lakonia, Astypalaia, Vouliagmeni, and Elafonisos discussed their local ecological initiatives and endorsed future projects championed by Elafonisos Eco.

All attending mayors signed an agreement affirming their dedication to environmental stewardship, as articulated by Enrico Toja, president and founder of Elafonisos Eco.

The agreement outlines commitments to:

• Increase investments in renewable energy and sustainable transportation: Transitioning away from fossil fuels and promoting eco-friendly transport options like public transit, cycling, and walking.
• Implement circular economic principles: Fostering upcycling, reuse, and recycling to minimize waste and promote sustainable consumption patterns.
• Protect natural habitats and marine biodiversity: Preserving ecosystems such as forests and coral reefs, establishing Marine Protected Areas, and controlling invasive species.
• Raise public awareness and foster collaboration: Launching educational campaigns and engaging local communities, academia, industry, and civil society in environmental initiatives.

Notable speakers during the summit included, Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance, Grigoris Konstantellos, Mayor of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, Maria Kamma, Mayor of Tilos, who celebrated Tilos’ achievement as the first island globally to achieve zero waste certification and highlighted the island’s journey towards energy autonomy through renewable energy sources.

Moreover, Eirini Velissaropoulou, Mayor of Kea also raised awareness of water conservation efforts and promoted cultural activities to enhance local sustainability and tourism.

Theodosis Sousoudis, Mayor of Andro, discussed efforts in waste management, wastewater treatment, and sustainable transportation initiatives.

Nikolaos Basakidis, Mayor of Kalamata, outlined Kalamata’s goal to become a carbon-neutral city by 2030 through solar energy and sustainable urban planning.

Theodoros Veroutis, Vice Governor of Lakonia, also addressed sustainable development initiatives focusing on waste management and ecosystem conservation.

Nikolaos Komnineas, Mayor of Astypalaia advocated for preserving natural landscapes and reducing environmental impact through community involvement in renewable energy projects.

Finally, Aggelos Tsirigotakis, Mayor of Elafonisos spoke of the local challenges such as the lionfish invasion and outlined plans for sustainable tourism and waste management improvements.