Final Dissemination Event: Many Islands, One Community

26th November 2024

On the 25th of November, we hosted our final online dissemination event, the culmination of two years of collaboration. This initiative brought together diverse communities from islands across Europe to address common challenges, celebrate cultural heritage, and foster sustainable futures. With participants from Sweden, Malta, Estonia, Portugal, and Greece, the project demonstrated the power of connection among island communities despite geographical distances.

Opening Remarks: Shared Goals and Vision

The event began with reflections from Nerina Finetto, founder of Traces&Dreams, who emphasised the project’s focus on heritage, community, and sustainability. The involvement of young people was highlighted as an essential factor, with participants contributing to discussions on the preservation of traditions, the struggle against the climate crisis, and forming a more inclusive Europe.

Rhiannon Moss introduced the goals of the project, pointing out specific aspects of islands, such as cultural heritage protection, youth involvement, and economic development in harmony with nature. The project adopted an eco-critical approach that examines the interaction between culture and nature; as seen in examples like traditional straw ceilings in Kimolos, Greece.

Diverse Contributions from Partner Islands

Agatha Rodi from Kimolos, Greece, spoke about the determination and creativity of young people regarding environmental and cultural challenges. She proposed educational workshops across small European islands to encourage collaboration and awareness.

Liia Ots from Muhu, Estonia, introduced the cultural iceberg theory, illustrating the visible and hidden layers of culture. She shared how islanders often share more commonalities with each other than with mainlanders, which showcases the importance of understanding underlying values and beliefs.

Vesna Matic Karic from Malta talked about the transformative youth mobility trip to Brussels, where participants from different islands bonded through workshops, visits to European institutions, and filmmaking activities. For many young people, this was their first international experience which has left a lasting impact on their perception of the values in the project.

Décio Santos from Terceira, Portugal, reflected on the opportunities and challenges faced by islanders, from navigating logistical hurdles to leveraging digital technology for economic growth. He emphasised the importance of sustainable tourism and attracting young talent to the islands through innovative industries.

Mikaela Nyström from Sweden shared insights on fostering connections among youth during the Brussels trip, highlighting how in-person interactions not only deepened their understanding of shared challenges and values, but also boosted their confidence and outlook.

Guest Contributions: Marine Conservation and Sustainable Development

Dimitris Kambanos, representing Dive in Action in Santorini, showcased efforts in marine conservation, including an extensive cleanup of the Santorini volcano seabed. Through the removal of nine tons of waste, the team demonstrated the potential for environmental restoration. Dimitris invited young people to join future programs, offering hands-on experiences in marine protection.

Kostas Platis from Sikinos, Greece, contributed with another point of view on life in small islands. Although Sikinos sees fewer visitors compared to Santorini, it also struggles with the pressures of over-tourism. He stressed that proactive measures are necessary to preserve the resources of the island while preserving its unique character.

Reflections and Future Directions

The event underlined the value of youth voices in shaping sustainable futures on the islands. Be it preserving cultural practices, addressing climate challenges, or fostering intergenerational connections, young participants played a considerable role in the project’s success.

The digital platform, accessible at islanders.network, now serves as an archive full of stories, methodologies, and resources, extending the project’s impact beyond its timeline. As Nerina concluded, the seeds planted through this collaboration hold the promise of continued partnerships, fostering unity among Europe’s islands and inspiring a collective vision for a more sustainable future.