"New Metropolitan Attica SA", in cooperation with the Attica Islands Network and relevant stakeholders, is preparing the submission of an ITI proposal for the Attica Islands for the new programming period.

Within this framework, New Metropolitan Attica SA is conducting preliminary studies in collaboration with specialized consultants and scientific experts, and works closely with the Network of Municipalities of the Regional Unit of Attica Islands, aiming at a comprehensive mapping of the current situation and the formulation of proposed strategic guidelines and actions. Following the publication of relevant calls, New Metropolitan Attica SA will submit a proposal to undertake the project as Intermediate Managing Authority.

Read more about the study being implemented by the Development Organization for the Attica islands here, which will also lead to the submission of an integrated intervention proposal.

• Challenges and opportunities for the Islands of Attica

  Η Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Νήσων Αττικής, Αγκιστρίου, Αίγινας, Κυθήρων, Πόρου, Σαλαμίνας, Σπετσών, Τροιζηνίας – Μεθάνων και Ύδρας, με γνώμονα το κοινό στοιχείο της «νησιωτικότητας», είναι μία εν δυνάμει ολιστική οντότητα χωρικού σχεδιασμού. Η ανάπτυξη ενός κοινού  στρατηγικού «εργαλείου», που θα εντάξει παρεμβάσεις στον σχεδιασμό των νησιών της Αττικής, καθώς και ενέργειες αναβάθμισης προς όφελος των κατοίκων και των επισκεπτών, μπορεί να αποτελέσει ένα ολοκληρωμένο μοχλό αναβάθμισης των νησιών του Αργοσαρωνικού.  

  The Regional Unit of the Islands of Attica—Agistri, Aegina, Kythira, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Troizinia–Methana, and Hydra—constitutes a potentially holistic entity for spatial planning, founded on the common element of “insularity.” The development of a shared strategic “tool” that integrates interventions in the spatial planning of the islands of Attica, as well as upgrade initiatives for the benefit of residents and visitors, can act as a comprehensive lever for enhancing the islands of the Saronic Gulf.

  The key challenges faced by the islands of the Region of Attica differ in scale and needs from those encountered in the mainland part of the region. The islands of Attica represent a genuine asset in leveraging the tourism appeal of Attica, offering numerous and diverse advantages. These include proximity to Piraeus—the main port of Attica and a hub of international trade and tourism activity—as well as to the “Eleftherios Venizelos” international airport and the center of Athens, as a core of cultural aggregation. All the islands in the cluster also boast a natural beauty and a number of attractions which can lend themselves to thematic tourism.

  
  At the same time, the Saronic Islands face distinct challenges such as:

  • limited interconnectivity among the islands themselves and/or with Piraeus;
  • shortcomings in critical transport, environmental, urban and other infrastructure;
  • relatively high energy dependency;
  • difficulty in adapting to climate change and the digital transition;
  • limited tourism activity, especially in terms of the quality of tourism services offered.
• The opportunity to shape “sustainable and welcoming islands”

  Internationally, a key element of “identity” for island tourism destinations such as the islands of Attica is the concept of “sustainable hospitable islands”. These islands promote sustainable tourism development and hospitality while simultaneously adapting the local development model toward creating synergies between productive, historical, and cultural capital.

  Once spatial planning for the Islands of Attica targets a unified and holistic strategy through the promotion of a common model for sustainable spatial development—by establishing the “sustainable hospitable islands” model of the Region of Attica—the thematic axes to be examined (among others) include:

  • Urban regeneration and the development of infrastructure that supports the enhancement of sustainable hospitality.
  • Reducing the environmental footprint of the hospitality sector and reinforcing the characteristics of “green islands.”
  • Adapting the local production system to the conditions of sustainable hospitality through synergies between different sectors.
  • Enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors, and improving inter-island and Piraeus connectivity.
  • Creating an attractive tourism “product.”
• Consultation

  The final formulation of the strategy for the integrated territorial investment is the result of collaboration and consultation, activated through the involvement of the competent bodies (Municipalities, Attica Islands Network, Chambers, Local Stakeholders, Associations, Cooperatives, etc.) who are familiar with the challenges and needs of the  areas on which interventions are focused

  Furthermore, the input of Civil Society is particularly important and constitutes an integral component in shaping such an integrated territorial investment, ensuring both breadth and depth in the awareness of the local community.

  All institutions, professionals, local and regional authorities, scientific organizations, and Civil Society representatives are invited to participate in the consultation process and submit their comments and proposals, which will subsequently be reviewed for the specialization of the proposed development strategy and action plan.

  To participate in the consultation, please submit your input here.