Focusing on the holistic management of water resources and addressing water scarcity on small islands, a a two-day event took place as part of the European AQUAMAN project under the Interreg Euro-MED program.
The event was organized with the participation of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO), the Small Islands Organization (SMILO), and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), as well as the Mayor of Halki, Evangelos Fragakis, the Deputy Mayor, Vasileios Roussakis, and the municipality’s technical team. The focus was on the exchange of technical expertise and the exploration of sustainable approaches to water management, taking into account the island’s specific needs.
Special emphasis was placed on raising environmental awareness among the children. Through workshops, games, and hands-on activities, the young participants were introduced to sustainable environmental solutions for the islands and the importance of protecting natural resources.
The children’s participation highlights the essential role of education in fostering a culture of responsible water use. Knowledge and experiential learning can reinforce daily habits that contribute to water conservation and protection, carrying the message from school to the family and the wider community.
AQUAMAN supports island and coastal tourist destinations in the Mediterranean in addressing water scarcity by promoting water conservation, the use of alternative water resources, and the transfer of technical expertise. Through education, hands-on guidance, and collaboration with local communities, it seeks to tailor sustainable solutions to the needs of each region.
Chalki, as Greece’s first GR-eco island and a pilot region for AQUAMAN, continues to invest in partnerships that link scientific knowledge with local needs and strengthen the island’s resilience to climate change.
For the Municipality of Halki, water conservation is a constant priority. Through the involvement of the local community, educating the younger generation, and leveraging the expertise of our partner organizations, we are working toward a sustainable future for our island.