DAFNI Network of Sustainable Greek Islands

The DAFNI Network of Sustainable Greek Islands (DAFNI) is a Development Organisation of Local Government (DOLG) established in 2006. DAFNI represents over 50 members, including 54 island municipalities, the Regions of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, and the Regional Union of Municipalities of the Ionian Islands.  

DAFNI’s vision is the transition of islands into a local development paradigm that harnesses their unique natural and cultural capital, creates sustainable growth, and offers a high quality of life to residents and visitors. 

Thanks to its systematic and multifaceted action and the range of partnerships it has developed, DAFNI is recognised as a true ally of islands, both on a national and European level. This is because it boasts excellent scientific and technical training as well as deep knowledge of the local needs and development dynamics of the islands. Over time, DAFNI’s dedication to the implementation of integrated solutions that address the identified needs of each island separately has furthered its identity as an island ally.  

Projects  

DAFNI engages in different activities and projects to work toward its mission of supporting local governments and actively involving citizens in the implementation of projects with a positive impact on local development. The organisation offers support in areas such as: green energy, environment, sustainable tourism, circular economy, sustainable mobility, education and employment. Examples of DAFNI’s past and ongoing projects include:  

• ISLET: Developing renewable energy communities on Mediterranean small islands  

• Green Hysland: Deploying a ‘green hydrogen ecosystem’ in the Balearic Islands. 

• SEANERGY: Sustainability EducationAl programme for greeNEr fuels and enerGY onports  

• ECOSEAROUTES: Reducing environmental pressures from mass tourism in coastal areas.  

Network  

DAFNI is involved in networks across Europe that work towards the energy transition on islands. The organisation engages with other actors to pursue its mission in the following ways:  

• Participates as partner and/or associate partner in numerous national and European projects, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and the realisation of projects benefiting its members. 

• Serves as the official supporter of the EU Covenant of Mayors and the Pact of Islands, having developed over 30 Sustainable Energy Action Plans. 

• Coordinates the Smart Islands Initiative, supported by more than 200 island authorities, networks of islands and organisations from across Europe, which aims to mobilise combined investment tools for unlocking islands’ smart and integrated territorial development. 

• Participates as partner and regional partner for Greece and Cyprus in the Secretariat managing the European Commission’s Clean Energy for Islands Initiative, the central platform for the clean energy transition of the more than 2,200 inhabited European islands. 

Structure  

DAFNI is a development organisation of insular local authorities (1st level). It is run by a General Assembly (G.A.) and a seven-member Board of Directors (BoD). 

The G.A. is the supreme body of the organisation and may decide on any matter concerning the organisation, except for those which, as per the law or the articles of association, are decided by the BoD. 

The resources of the Network come from members’ contributions, sponsorships, donations, grants, European and other programs.