• The second edition of this biennial event will be held at Infecar on January 30 and 31, aiming to position itself as a reference for climate action and sustainability in islands
• Attendees will be able to participate in keynote lectures and thematic sessions focused on circular and blue economy; energy, water, and mobility; climate change adaptation and biodiversity

Gran Canaria, January 23, 2025. Gran Canaria will become the epicentre of debate and reflection on the sustainability of island territories on January 30 and 31, thanks to the celebration of the International Ecoislands Forum.
The event, which will take place at Infecar, Gran Canaria Fair, will bring together local, national, and international experts to discuss environmental and climate challenges affecting islands and efforts to promote measures to transition towards greener, profitable, and self-sufficient socioeconomic models.

The Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy, and Knowledge of the Gran Canaria Council, Raúl García Brink, and the General Director of Infecar, Gran Canaria Fair, Natalia Santana, have presented this edition to the media. “Although islands represent only 5% of the Earth’s surface, they harbor crucial biodiversity that includes 20% of the world’s bird, reptile, and plant species, as well as more than 40% of endangered creatures,” García stated, assuring that “we must move towards sustainable models that ensure their preservation and the well-being of their communities.”

In this regard, the International Ecoislands Forum seeks to position itself as a reference for climate action and sustainability in island environments, contributing to global climate change mitigation objectives and natural resource preservation.

Some of the objectives of this forum, which will also allow companies to present their proposals, are promoting a model less dependent on fossil fuels, recognizing islands as real laboratories for new management strategies, and generating synergies between institutions to foster innovative solutions to climate change.

During the event, attendees can participate in keynote lectures, round tables, and thematic sessions focused on key areas such as circular and blue economy, energy, water, and mobility, climate change adaptation and biodiversity. The discussions aim to address relevant issues such as marine renewable energies, energy communities, urban space renaturation, smart technologies for forest fire prevention, and species control, among many other topics.

Among the most prominent speakers is Gunter Pauli, creator of the ‘Blue Economy’ concept, who will share his vision on nature-inspired development models. Also participating are Anjila Hjalsted, a reference in absolute sustainability and one of the most inspiring voices in the field of sustainable innovation; Liz Bonnin, biologist and renowned environmental communicator passionate about conservation; and Mark Lynas, writer and journalist specializing in climate change, honored by the Royal Society for his book ‘Six Degrees’, who will contribute his perspective on challenges and solutions to the global climate crisis.

The parallel sessions will also include renowned local, national, and international professionals, such as Sulev Alajöe, General Director and consultant of the Estonia Islands Energy Agency; David Suárez, senior state meteorologist and territorial delegate of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) in the Canary Islands; Gonzalo Piernavieja, R&D&I Director of the Canary Islands Technology Institute (ITC); Savvas Vlachos, island sustainability specialist and member of the Cyprus Energy Agency; and Gaia Agnello, Director of the Sicily Environmental Fund.

Additionally, the Forum includes in its program two workshops on global challenges of islands in the blue economy, led by James Ellsmoor and Grace Henry from 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 conducted in English without simultaneous translation.

It should be noted that, in addition to the plenary conferences and parallel sessions, professionals attending the Forum can participate in B2B meetings to connect with exhibitors and registered companies and promote joint measures that promote the archipelago’s sustainable development.

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

The event, promoted and funded by the Gran Canaria Council and organized by Infecar, has the sponsorship of Ewaste, Prezero, Ayagaures Medioambiente, Astican, and Satocan, with Cajasiete as official collaborator and other collaborations such as the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, University of La Laguna, Canaragua, the Maritime Cluster of the Canary Islands, the Insular Water Council of Gran Canaria, the Insular Energy Council of Gran Canaria, Fedeport, and the Chamber of Commerce of Gran Canaria.