Search

The discussions with the members of the South Aegean MAP revolved around agricultural production, tourism, renewable energy sources, digitalisation, and the provision of services and infrastructure by the region. The members of the South Aegean MAP referred to the climatic conditions in the region during the last few years and the problems they create in both their daily lives and professional activities. An important indicator of these changes is the reduction in honey production. Moreover, a point that has been highlighted relates to the investments needed to strengthen the local infrastructures and efficiently cope with overtourism. During the discussions, there have been mentions of the need to provide incentives (mainly financial ones) to companies aiming for climate neutrality, as well as towards the adoption of smart farming solutions. Concerted efforts at both the regional/national and EU level, as well as the focus on innovation, may help towards efficiently addressing the challenges that arise from climate change.

This MAP Position Paper contains theresult of a six-step Delphi method (i.e. desk research and context analysis, interviews, interview analysis, MAP survey, survey analysis, validation of results) that theGrecianSHERPA MAP, called the South Aegean MAP (made up from stakeholders in the field of science, policy and society), used to discuss what the desirable, probable and realistic future would be for their territory by investigating main current themes for rural areas in the MAP region, opportunities and potential challenges in the next 20 years, visions for rural territories by 2040 and perceived challenges in reaching the visions.