“An example of our political choice is that insularity is combined with actions that will promote development in harmony with the environment”, stressed the Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his video message, which was broadcast to “Dialogues of Nisyros”, which takes place for the third year on the arid island and focuses on issues of geopolitics, energy, environment and insularity.

In his message, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expresses the hope that innovative ideas and workable solutions will be discussed, something that, as he says, will be signaled by the very inclusion of Nisyros in the “GR-eco Islands” initiative.

Here is the Prime Minister’s greeting:

“Ladies and gentlemen, friends, I would sincerely like to be with you today, on this special island of the Aegean. Although we are separated by more than 400 km, the importance of your forum resonates here in Athens.

Because the volcano of Nisyros fortunately remains dormant, but its “Dialogues” must “wake up” us all. For the geopolitical balance and energy security in the Mediterranean, for the problems of the time, such as the climate crisis and over-tourism. Much more so at a time of multi-level disruption in our region.

I want to believe, therefore, that in this meeting, which takes place at the crossroads of three continents, innovative ideas and practical solutions will be discussed, something that will, after all, be signaled by the very inclusion of Nisyros in the “GR-eco Islands” initiative. An example of our political choice is that insularity is combined with actions that will promote development in harmony with the environment.

The recent agreement with the European Commission for the establishment of an island carbonization fund, with investments amounting to 3.8 billion over eight years, is part of the same framework. For the development of renewable sources, energy storage and charging infrastructure for ships and vehicles. While equally important is the electrical interconnection of the Dodecanese, which will be completed by 2029, thus bringing 16 islands out of energy isolation.

I also remind you of the 21 commitments that Greece undertook at the international conference “Our Ocean Conference” in Athens, from the protection of marine ecosystems and the fight against pollution, to sustainable fishing and the blue economy. As well as the creation of two new national marine parks in the Aegean and Ionian, which is estimated to expand by 80% the protected areas throughout the territory of our country.

At the same time, we have established the “Cheating Beaches”, with 238 beaches already included there – among them, in fact, Nisyros. At the same time, we are creating the National Trail Network, in an effort to extend the tourist season through mild activities. And finally, we compile the “Red List”, the largest database for Greek biodiversity, where 11,500 animals and plants of unique ecological value have now been recorded.

From the government’s point of view, therefore, the actions aimed at converging our islands towards sustainability, in a single direction which is also served by the strategic plan for tourism in the Natura areas, are tangible. In other words, these are issues that will concern your own “Dialogues” between politicians, academics, business executives, but also civil society. That is why I will wait with interest for their conclusions.

I wish you success again in your work.”