Ecoislas promotes a sustainable future for island territories at its International Forum

 

INTERNATIONAL ECOISLANDS FORUM

 

On 30 and 31 January, Gran Canaria will become the epicentre of debate and reflection on the sustainability of island territories, thanks to the celebration of the International Ecoislands Forum.

 

The event, which will take place at Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria, will bring together local, national and international experts to debate the environmental and climate challenges affecting the islands and the effort to promote measures aimed at the transition towards greener, more profitable and self-sufficient socio-economic models.

 

The Councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy and Knowledge of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Raúl García Brink, and the General Manager of Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria, Natalia Santana, have presented this edition to the media. “Although the islands represent only 5% of the Earth's surface, they are home to crucial biodiversity that includes 20% of the world's bird, reptile and plant species, as well as more than 40% of creatures in danger of extinction,” said García, assuring that “it is urgent that we move towards sustainable models that ensure their preservation and the well-being of their communities.”

 

In this sense, the International Ecoislands Forum seeks to position itself as a reference for climate action and sustainability in island environments, contributing to the global objectives of mitigating climate change and preserving natural resources.

 

The promotion of a model less dependent on fossil fuels, the recognition of islands as real laboratories for new management strategies and the generation of synergies between institutions to promote innovative solutions to climate change are some of the objectives of this Forum, in which companies will also have space to present their proposals.

 

During the event, attendees will be able to participate in keynote presentations, round tables and thematic sessions focused on key areas such as the circular and blue economy; energy, water and mobility; adaptation to climate change and biodiversity. The discussions seek to address issues as relevant as marine renewable energies, energy communities, renaturalization of urban spaces, smart technologies to prevent forest fires and species control, among many other topics.

 

 

Among the keynote speakers will be Gunter Pauli, creator of the concept of the 'Blue Economy', who will share his vision of development models inspired by nature. Also participating will be Anjila Hjalsted, a leader in absolute sustainability and one of the most inspiring voices in the field of sustainable innovation; Liz Bonnin, a biologist and renowned environmental communicator passionate about conservation; and Mark Lynas, a writer and journalist specialising in climate change, honoured by the Royal Society for his book 'Six Degrees', who will provide his perspective on the challenges and solutions to the global climate crisis.

 

The parallel sessions will also feature renowned local, national and international professionals, such as Sulev Alajöe, general manager and consultant of the Estonian Islands Energy Agency; David Suárez, senior meteorologist of the State and territorial delegate of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) in the Canary Islands; Gonzalo Piernavieja, director of R&D&i of the Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC); Savvas Vlachos, specialist in island sustainability and member of the Cyprus Energy Agency; and Gaia Agnello, director of the Sicilian Environment Fund.

 

The Forum also includes two workshops on the global challenges of islands in the blue economy, led by James Ellsmoor and Grace Henry of Island Innovation, and another called Navigating the Future, led by the Maritime Sisters, Sylvia and Marjolein Boer, experts in accelerating the transition towards a sustainable maritime future. Both workshops will be held in English without simultaneous translation.

 

It is worth noting that, in addition to the plenary conferences and parallel sessions, professionals attending the Forum will be able to participate in B2B meetings to connect with exhibitors and registered companies and promote joint measures that promote the sustainable development of the archipelago.

 

Tickets to attend the Ecoislas International Forum can be purchased on the website foro-ecoislas.es, individually, at 8 euros per day (3 for students, disabled people, retirees and pensioners) or jointly for both days, at a price of 12 euros (reduced price: 5 euros). Participation in the workshops will have an additional cost of 4 euros per workshop. People who buy their ticket will be able to enjoy networking activities, access to the exhibition area and participate in business meetings (B2B).

 

The event, promoted and financed by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria and organised by Infecar, is sponsored by Ewaste, Prezero, Ayagaures Medioambiente, Asticany Satocan; with Cajasiete as an official collaborator and with other collaborations such as the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of La Laguna, Canaragua, the Maritime Cluster of the Canary Islands, the Gran Canaria Island Council of Waters, the Gran Canaria Island Council of Energy, Fedeport and the Chamber of Commerce of Gran Canaria.