On the third and final day of Elafonisos Eco Week, we focused on sustainable tourism, reinforcing our commitment to making Elafonisos a model for responsible travel and ecological resilience. Gianni Chianetta, Chair of the Greening the Islands Foundation, delivered a compelling speech on the potential of Elafonisos to become a flagship sustainable island.
He began by emphasizing the role of islands as laboratories of innovation, where renewable technologies and sustainable practices can be tested on a smaller scale before being replicated globally. He urged local leaders, especially the mayor of Elafonisos, to actively invite industries to pilot their clean technologies on the island, creating opportunities in renewable energy, water, mobility, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.
Drawing on his previous visit, he pointed out the limited availability of electric mobility options, such as e-bikes, and encouraged broader adoption of clean transport. He highlighted successful case studies from islands like Minorca and Rodrigues, where his foundation is already implementing 100% renewable energy roadmaps.
He presented a methodology for building self-sufficient islands: assessing local energy needs, developing scenario-based plans using data and modeling software, and securing funding from EU programs such as Horizon and LIFE. He stressed the importance of being “project-ready” to take advantage of upcoming funding calls.
To support planning and progress tracking, Greening the Islands uses an Island Sustainability Index,a multi-sector assessment tool focused on energy, water, waste, and environment, used in cooperation with the Green Destinations certification program.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of international cooperation, particularly within the Mediterranean region. Through EU-backed projects like “Dialogue for Tourism,” his foundation aims to enhance collaboration between sustainability observatories and promote policies that support year-round sustainable tourism.
Gianni Chianetta closed with a powerful message: Elafonisos has the unique opportunity to become a global flagship for green innovation, capable of attracting investment, supporting local businesses, and preserving the island’s biodiversity while extending the tourism season.