With touching and joyful memories and plenty of enthusiasm from the fresh knowledge, meaningful discussions and above all the potential for new collaborations, partnerships and even friendships, we closed the 4 days of activities of the 3rd in-person CPF Islanders’ Forum 2024 in Santorini (18-21/10), organised by the CPF to support efforts to network and empower key Cycladic Civil Society members who are fighting to defend and preserve the natural value of the islands.
See the full press release with participant lists and quotes here, and in Greek here.
The Islanders’ Forum had over 90 participants from 22 islands of the Cyclades and beyond, 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.
“On behalf of the CPF, I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all participants for their time and 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 claimed with dignity and passion. We are on their side, and we are not the only ones. Together we 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 my colleagues” Anni Mitropoulou, executive director of CPF, reflected.
Thanks to our supporters:
A.G. Leventis Foundation
Athina I. Martinou Foundation
Thenamaris Ships Management Inc
Empiria Group
Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini
Blue Marine Foundation
Blue Star Ferries
Seajets
Theraic Sea
Dive In Action
Photo credits: CPF. Thanks to our collaborators Dimitris Kambanos, Vangelis Sideris, Lefteris Partsalis, and Andrianna Darzenta for the images.