The Challenge
Mykonos faces intensifying environmental pressures from overtourism and extractive economic approaches, aggravated by climate change. The island’s terrestrial ecosystems are under strain from human activity, pollution, and seasonal overcrowding, as natural disasters become more frequent. There is an urgent need for education and engagement that connects residents, children, and visitors with Mykonos’ natural landscape — fostering a culture of stewardship and sustainability.
Without proactive environmental education, the local community remains vulnerable to climate-related risks and unaware of sustainable alternatives that could mitigate long-term damage to biodiversity and infrastructure.
The Solution
With support from CPF, the Mykonos Nature Link project will deliver a seasonally coordinated program of environmental education and direct engagement to the local community. This includes hiking-based citizen science, clean-up actions, and tailored seminars on climate resilience and natural disasters.
Led by a geographer with expertise in meteorology and risk management Nikos Koulakis, and supported by environmental educator Sofia Chanioti, and in collaboration the Municipality of Mykonos, schools, and additional local initiatives and actors such as the hiking team of Mykonos, the project will build strong local participation while promoting informed, responsible tourism. The initiative will cultivate environmental awareness and preparedness through experiential learning, digital documentation, and community-driven action.
Activities
With the support of CPF, the team will implement a series of activities unfolding over three consecutive seasons:
- Organize guided hikes across Mykonos to explore biodiversity, observe seasonal ecological changes, and highlight the impacts of climate change.
- Conduct clean-up actions along hiking trails to remove litter and demonstrate responsible environmental behavior in real time.
- Create and manage a digital citizen science blog where participants document species observed during hikes and track biodiversity trends.
- Engage participants in species monitoring, encouraging contributions of flora and fauna sightings using citizen science tools and practices.
- Design and deliver three seminars (targeting children and adults) on topics including natural disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism.
- Facilitate interactive workshops for school children using games, scenarios, and practical lessons to foster environmental responsibility.
- Provide training for local residents on disaster risk management, sustainable resource use, and eco-friendly tourism alternatives.
- Launch a public outreach campaign using social media and local media to share project updates and build broader awareness.
About the Grantee
The Center of Natural Hazards and Climate Variability in the East Mediterranean is a social cooperative enterprise committed to strengthening climate resilience, improving disaster readiness, and raising public awareness through scientific research, education, and community involvement. They focus on the real-time collection, analysis, and forecasting of meteorological data to deliver precise and timely weather information. Their initiatives include hosting educational seminars, conducting training sessions, and leading public awareness campaigns on extreme weather, emergency response, and climate change adaptation.
What You Can Do
- If you live in Mykonos, join one of the many activities of the project such as a hiking trip or clean-up to support environmental protection directly on the island and submit observations to the citizen science blog and help monitor Mykonos’ biodiversity.
- Make a donation to CPF to continue supporting such initiatives in Cyclades
