NEO Event Explores Climate Change, Seeks Sustainable Solutions

Identifying sustainable solutions for growth in view of climate change was the focus of the “Challenges and Opportunities for a New Economy in the Context of Climate Change: Promoting Innovation for Sustainable Development” event held at the Academy of Athens, last week.

Organized by the Navarino Environmental Observatory (ΝΕΟ) and the Embassy of Sweden, the event brought together scientists, environment experts, academics and government officials who explored the challenges posed by climate change and ways to promote innovation for sustainable development.

Issues addressed included integrated management of natural resources to achieve sustainable development; innovation, entrepreneurship and investment in global climate change; smart investments promoting low-carbon development.

Gialova Lagoon, Messinia. Photo source: Costa Navarino

“Our continued investment and support of NEO verifies our strong belief that investments in sustainable tourism are part of the solution for a better future,” said Achilleas Konstantakopoulos, president of TEMES SA, destination developer and operator behind the Costa Navarino Resort.

The Messinia region, where NEO is based on the Costa Navarino Resort, is the southernmost research station, one of six regions under examination in an ongoing EU-funded project involving 30 universities and private companies which will in the next three years explore ways to address the challenges of climate change and sustainable growth. Greece is participating in the project through NEO.

“In a rapidly changing world, where climate issues, economic uncertainty and social instability pose imminent challenges for the future, this form of cooperation is essential for a more sustainable future. We believe that business through innovation and new technologies can and must take the lead in this transformation, while institutions like NEO through science-based interventions, stakeholder engagement and education can pave the way for sustainable practices,” Konstantakopoulos concluded.

With nine partners from Greece, Europe and the US including Stockholm University, the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA) and TEMES SA, NEO has actively since its launch in 2010 provided research and education on climate change and the environment in the Mediterranean.