United Voices: Key Takeaways From the CPF Forum '24
During the CPF Islanders' Forum 2024 held in Santorini, we collected brief statements from participants representing various islands and institutions to produce this short video that captures reflections from islanders across the Cyclades.
On the island of Santorini, representatives from over 20 Cycladic islands recently gathered for the CPF Islanders' Forum 2024, a four-day event brimming with collaboration, optimism, and actionable ideas for preserving their shared paradise. Hosted by the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF), the forum was more than just a meeting of minds—it was a united call to protect the islands' natural heritage, foster sustainable tourism, and reinforce bonds between communities facing shared environmental challenges.
From the picturesque beaches to ancient vineyards, the forum explored both Santorini's beauty and its fragility, with workshops, field visits, and open events. Highlights included wildlife protection demonstrations, a tour of proposed marine protected areas, and candid discussions on the impact of tourism on local ecosystems. Participants, from grassroots organisations to international environmental groups, shared expertise, discussed pressing issues, and charted new pathways for safeguarding the islands.
During the event, Digitalparos, with the help of Nikos Psarros, collected brief statements from participants representing various islands and institutions and produced a short video entitled "UNITED VOICES". The film captures reflections from islanders across the Cyclades. It encapsulates a tapestry of voices, each expressing a fierce commitment to the land, sea, and life unique to this corner of the Aegean. As anticipated, all statements align, highlighting the common issues and the necessity to unite and address them.
As Nicolas Stephanou from Digitalparos put it, "The islands are now at risk of becoming a homogenised destination, disconnected from their history and culture that once made them so special."
With events like these, the Cyclades continue to shine not only as a breathtaking travel destination but also as a model of resilient, community-driven conservation.
See also THE VOICE OF THE CYCLADES - Designing the limits of small islands (in Greek), a video by Nikos Psarros, with more positions of island stakeholders, in view of the conference "Designing the boundaries of small islands" organised by NTUA / School of Architecture and the Chamber of Environment and Sustainability on 6 November 2024.