One of the key themes on the opening day of this year’s Elafonisos Eco Week was the intersection of “Waste and Water Management” with sustainable tourism and the circular economy. In a rich and participatory roundtable, national policymakers, local authorities, private sector leaders, and civil society actors engaged in an open discussion on how these sectors must converge to ensure a resilient future for Elafonisos and similar Mediterranean communities.
Manolis Grafakos, Secretary General of the Greek Ministry of Environment, opened the dialogue by emphasizing that waste management is no longer a separate issue but an integral part of the tourism product. For a destination like Elafonisos, where natural beauty is at the heart of its appeal, the effective implementation of national and regional waste plans is essential to preserving both the environment and the local economy.
Charalabos Charalabidis, Project Director TERNA Energy, highlighted Greece’s evolving approach to residual waste, pointing to the shift away from landfilling towards energy recovery. He presented examples of how TERNA is leading investments in plastic recycling technologies and promoting circular economy models that create value from waste. These initiatives demonstrate how public-private partnerships can deliver environmental and economic gains.
The discussion also touched on the economic dimension of the transition, particularly for regions undergoing energy transformation. New waste infrastructure is generating local jobs, especially in areas like Megalopolis, once reliant on lignite.
As Charalabos Charalabidis noted, green investments can be a tool for inclusive local growth, not just environmental compliance.
Giannis Smyrniotis, President of the Solid Waste Management Agency of Peloponnese, turned the focus toward the social aspects of change. He argued that citizens are willing to sort and recycle-but they need support: infrastructure, logistics, and most importantly, political will. Without consistent commitment from all levels of government, public enthusiasm cannot be sustained.
Bringing in the community perspective, Enrico Toja, President of Elafonisos Eco, emphasized that education and proximity are key. Drawing inspiration from Monaco’s success, he spoke of the need for door-to-door engagement, simple and clear messaging, and regular bin checks to reinforce habits. For him, lasting transformation happens when citizens are not just informed but actively involved.
Throughout the session, a clear message emerged: sustainable tourism and effective waste management are inseparable. To protect Elafonisos’ natural heritage and support its economy, collaboration between government, business, and the community is essential-with education and consistent, practical action at the center of change.