The Municipality of Chalki actively participated in the 1st Living Lab Workshop of the European project AQUAMAN, which took place on November 13 in Rhodes, with the participation of scientific bodies, universities, regional authorities and local government organizations from all over the Mediterranean.
The AQUAMAN project (AQUAtic systems’ evaluation for the Mitigation of wAter scarcity in Mediterranean islaNds and coastal tourist destinations under severe pressure) focuses on addressing water scarcity in island and coastal tourist areas, which are severely affected by climate change and increased tourism.
The project involves 9 partners from 6 countries, who work together to develop and implement innovative sustainable water management solutions.
The Workshop was held under the aegis of the Municipality of Chalki, which is also one of the pilot areas of AQUAMAN solutions in Greece. During the works, the current situation and the challenges faced by Chalki in the field of water sufficiency were presented, while possibilities for matching innovative tools of the project with the real needs of the island were analyzed.
The Mayor of Chalki, Mr. Evangelos Fragkakis, in his speech underlined the following:
“Water scarcity is one of the most serious challenges for small islands. Chalki actively participates in European collaborations that promote nature-based solutions, hybrid water treatment systems and new management approaches. With AQUAMAN we are taking an important step towards a more resilient, circular and sustainable future for our island.”
The Living Lab was attended by the Regional Councilor of the Region of South Aegean and President of ENERGY SA, Ms. Mara Antoniadi, the Municipal Councilor of the Municipality of Rhodes and President of DEYAR, Mr. Sotiris Vagianos, and the Secretary General of the Technical Chamber of Greece and member of the Board of Directors of EYDAP, Mr. Antonis Giannikouris.
On behalf of the island of Chalki, the CEO of the Société Anonyme of the Municipality of Chalki “Porphyra”, Mr. Emmanouil Syntychakis and the President of the Chalki Energy Community ChalkiON Mr. Vassilis Chatziaras.
In the context of the Workshop, indicative solutions such as artificial wetlands, green infrastructure, water reuse systems and innovative water management tools were presented, with special references to the applicable perspective for Chalki and the Dodecanese islands.
The Municipality of Chalki will continue to actively participate in the project, contributing to the co-formulation of practical and workable solutions that enhance the climate resilience of island societies. For the Municipality of Chalki, participating in such initiatives is an investment in the future and a commitment to an island that is a model of sustainability and innovation.