Three Mediterranean Islands Launch Sustainability Challenges to Tackle Climate Change
Braฤ (Croatia), Crete (Greece), and Elba (Italy) are calling on companies and startups to submit innovative proposals for reducing their environmental footprint as part of the CO2 PACMAN project. The call is open until May 15, 2025 via the Innovation CoLab platform.
These islands, whose carbon footprint is up to 40% higher than the continental average due to their reliance on tourism and limited natural resources, are already experiencing severe climate impacts โ from disappearing beaches to extreme water shortages.
Through nine targeted challenges, CO2 PACMAN, funded by the Interreg Euro-MED programme, seeks creative solutions in areas such as water management, sustainable mobility, renewable energy, and circular economy.
๐ Examples of the challenges:
- On Braฤ, outdated infrastructure causes up to 40% of drinking water loss. Local authorities are looking for affordable technologies to address this, and firefighters in Supetar seek efficient fire-fighting solutions using electric vehicles.
- Crete faces tourism-related waste issues, producing over 1.5 million tons of waste annually. Local stakeholders are looking for smart organic waste management systems and alternatives to peat in agriculture.
- On Elba, the focus is on decarbonizing tourism. Acqua dellโElba is exploring carbon-neutral event solutions, while local winemakers investigate how forest ecosystems can support vineyards under climate stress.
The most promising proposals will be showcased at the Business Forum in Valencia (June 25โ27, 2025), providing networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, investors, and island representatives. Selected innovators will also gain visibility through project media, including interviews for the CO2 PACMAN website and podcast.
๐ Apply by May 15 on the platform:
๐ More info:
co2pacman.interreg-euro-med.eu