CPF Islanders’ Forum 2024, Santorini
“Anything is possible with a positive attitude and collaboration”
With a mixture of excitement, great joy, and enthusiasm for the new knowledge, meaningful discussions and above all the prospects for new collaborations, alliances and even friendships, the 4 days of activities of the 3rd in person CPF Islanders’ Forum 2024 came to an end. Organised by the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF) in Santorini (18-21/10) the Islander’s Forum constitutes part of the CPF’s efforts to network and empower the main representatives of the Cyclades Civil Society who are fighting for the defence and preservation of the natural value their region.
Over 90 participants from 22 islands of the Cyclades and beyond took part in the CPF Islanders’ Forum, representing 60 national, regional, and local associations, initiatives and organisations.
The CPF Islanders’ Forum was full, in many ways. With active non-profit and non-governmental organisations leading the way in environmental protection at national and local levels, with active people who “love, care and act for their
islands”, with interesting ideas and suggestions for today and also the willingness to collaborate with measurable impact for the future, and with dynamism and appetite to continue for our common purposes and goals.
The program included the following events:
● Action Workshops “Describing today: Mapping the environmental challenges on our islands” (18/10) and “Co-shaping tomorrow: Brainstorming solutions and ideas together” (19/10) which were closed to the general public.
● Open event for wildlife protection & rehabilitation in the Cyclades | Cyclades Care for Wildlife: inspiration & knowledge (19/10) with the collaboration of CPF partners: Alkyoni, Naxos Wildlife Protection Association, MOm and Arion. This was followed by practical demonstrations of first aid for wildlife species in need | Cyclades Care for Wildlife in action (20/10). Within the framework of the Forum, two birds that had passed through care centres were released, an owl and a honey buzzard.
● Field visit to the proposed Santorini Marine Protected Area (20/10) with the collaboration of Theraic Sea and Dive in Action.
● Open event for Marine Protected Areas and Local Communities | CPF Islanders’ Forum meets Cycladorama (20/10) with the honorary greetings of Pierre-Yves Cousteau, the General Secretary of Aegean and Island Policy of YNANP Manolis Koutoulakis, and the Mayor of Thira Nikos Zorzos.
● Field visit to the traditional vineyards and windmills of Santorini and a discussion on the environmental impact of major tourist investments in the Vlychada region (21/10) with the cooperation of the local environmental group Mantilida of the Cultural Trade Association.
“On behalf of the CPF, I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all participants for their time as well as for all the knowledge and experience they shared, feeling that they are in a safe environment of trust and shared values. Our meeting was filled with people and stories, knowledge new and old, education, interplays and mental “threads” between islands and actions, excitement, smiles and pats on the back. It was a meaningful meeting of people with different experiences but with a common vision for their islands that claim it with dignity but also passion. We are on their side, and we are not the only ones. Together we enhanced and enriched the Cycladoscope of the CPF. We continue. Of course, many thanks to all our supporters throughout this demanding event, our hosts and of course to the small but dynamic group of my colleagues from CPF who, once again, gave and received a lot of love” Anni Mitropoulou, executive director of the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF) declared proudly of the outcomes of the CPF Islanders’ Forum 2024.
IMPRESSIONS
“Excellent meeting of representatives from 20 islands, networking, exchange of knowledge, experiences, good practices, discussions and actions towards a more sustainable and hopeful future! I share my excitement having come back full of inspiration!” Emily K., Ios
“A full gathering of island environmental associations and individuals, who love, care and act for their islands!” Olga K., Andros
“The valuable exchange of proposals and knowledge will surely bring about concerted action to deal with the problems of our islands. The meetings that took place and the speeches by representatives of associations touched on the multiple problems and brought all the participants together. We are happy for the big hug opened by all the friends of the organisations I got to know up close.” Agathi R., Kimolos
“Within these four days we fit 2 workshops mapping our needs and desires, 1 field visit for wildlife first aid training, 1 open event for the Marine Protected Areas and 1 informative walk with the natural and cultural wealth of Santorini. But mostly we embraced big ideas, we shared laughs, we had the courage to share tears, to move and love each other.” Io S. & Marina K., Syros
“Unforgettable experience. I look forward to the next one.” Fanis G., Iraklia
“I would like to thank you all for the perfect organisation, your warmth, concern and care for everything, the unique hospitality and above all for the rich experience that we had on a human level to all come together, meet beautiful people and leave with optimism, that great things are happening on the islands and that everything can be done with a positive attitude and cooperation.” Katerina K., Sifnos
“It was my pleasure to participate in the CPF Islanders’ Forum 2024 and to meet so many people who care about the protection of nature in the Cyclades. Based on this action alone, this is the beginning of unlocking so many things that I can hardly believe.” Sophia X., Mykonos
“Thank you very much for another important communication of our project in Santorini thanks to the initiative of CPF.” Marios F., Paros
“A unique experience was offered to us by the CPF through the Cyclades Islanders’ Forum 2024 at Apothike beach in Akrotiri where there was a demonstration of rescue actions for seals, dolphins, sea turtles and birds!” Vangelis S., Santorini
“Beautiful, magical atmosphere, like a big group of friends meeting again after a long time!” Sophia L., Naxos
SUPPORTERS
The CPF Islanders’ Forum 2024 was designed and implemented by CPF in the framework of the CycladoScope initiative that is supported by the A.G. Leventis Foundation.
We give many thanks to:
– the Athina I. Martinou Foundation for the donation with the purpose of covering operational and CPF Islanders’ communication needs Forum 2024.
– the Empiria Group for generously hosting the participant–members of the CPF Islanders’ Forum 2024 at the Vedema Resort and the support of the event on the theme “Wildlife in the Cyclades” which is a synergy with the Cyclades Care for Wildlife program coordinated by the CPF.
– the Blue Marine Foundation for supporting the Cycladorama and Cyclades Care for Wildlife programs and supporting the respective open events.
– the company Thenamaris for supporting the technical coverage of the CPF Islanders’ Forum 2024.
– the companies BLUE STAR FERRIES and SEAJETS for providing a discount on the travel of the members of the CPF Islanders’ Forum 2024.
The organisation of the CPF Islanders’ Forum 2024 in Santorini took place with the help of our local allies Dive in Action, Theraic Sea and the help of the Mantilida environmental group of the Cultural Association of Thira.
PARTICIPATION:
Participating Islands:
Amorgos, Andros, Antiparos, Argosaronic, Donousa, Heraklion, Ios, Kimolos, Kythnos, Lesvos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos.
Participating Agencies:
General Secretariat of the Aegean and Islands Policy YNANP, Central Aegean Protected Areas Management Unit-OFYPEKA, South Aegean Region, Santorini Municipality, Paros Municipality, Cyclades Development Company, Thira Port Authority, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, University of the Aegean, Cousteau Divers, DESMOS, Union K. A.L.O. South Aegean, WWF Greece, Arion, MOm, Initiative for Journalism – Sustainable Cyclades, Empiria Group, Vedema Resort, Zas Ferries, Argo Saronic Environment Foundation, Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF).
Participation by local organisations, collectives & initiatives:
Amorgos Hozoviotissa Professional Fishing Association, Andros Research Center, Antiparos Municipality Recycling Committee, Donoussa Poseidon Cultural Association, Discover Iraklia, Save Ios, Cyclades Unified, Kythnos Women’s Union, Healing Lesvos, Creative Milos, Federation of Cycladic Women’s Associations Daughters of the Cyclades, Naxos Wildlife Protection Association, Ariadne’s Garden, Alkyoni Wildlife Hospital, Save Paros, Archilochos, Paros Cultural and Environmental Park, Friends of Paros Park, Sustainable Living Paros, Patmos of Colors Cultural Association, Hippocampus, Sikinites Association, Network for Sustainable Cyclades, SCE Apano Meria Syros, SCE Kalloni Kellia Tinos, Serifos Animal Welfare Association, Dive in Action, Theraic Sea, Professional Fishermen’s Association of Thira, Environmental group Mantilida of the Cultural Association Emporio, Voice of the Forest, Sea Diamond Coordinating Committee, Archipelago Network, Santorini Animal Welfare, Thira Scout Team, Milos Diving Center, Atlantis Diving Center, Bellonio Foundation Municipal Cultural Centre, and Environmental Organization of Thira.