SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 13 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has expressed his dedication to the progression towards a more sustainable tourism model in the islands, grounded in innovation, sustainability, and knowledge.
This assertion was made during his involvement in the summit organised by Island Innovation, which convened leaders, experts, and representatives from over 500 islands globally this week, aiming to forge international partnerships with other archipelagos and create synergies to discover and promote innovative initiatives to tackle the challenges confronting the Canary Islands.
Clavijo announced that on 3 October, he will advocate for the foundational document aimed at developing a unified strategy that aspires to advance the implementation of a more sustainable tourism model across European islands, during the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CRPM) in Gozo, Malta.
Over recent months, the Canary Islands Government has collaborated within the Islands Commission to create a reference document that has been open for input and contributions from Commission members.
Upon being presented, ratified, and finalised, the document is intended to be submitted to the Commission and the European Parliament after the conclusion of the Malta Conference, facilitating the development of plans tailored to the islands that can secure appropriate funding from the European Union.
Clavijo elaborated that the Canary Islands cannot remain isolated from the changes and movements unfolding globally, asserting that “the model requires reassessment.”
The President of the Canary Islands Executive contended that the islands possess significant potential, stating that “the Canary Islands boast substantial capabilities due to their extensive experience and specialisation over numerous decades, accompanied by a wealth of expertise and an innovation ecosystem that presents certain advantages needing cultivation.”
CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS
Clavijo also highlighted the efforts undertaken by the roundtables established by the Conference of Presidents, which aim to confront another critical challenge faced by the islands: the demographic issue, which is intricately linked to and impacting other island regions worldwide.
In mid-October, the President of the Canary Islands will present the conclusions drawn from the ongoing work conducted over these months, entrusted to five groups, encompassing all municipalities of the Canary Islands and the seven island councils, alongside the contributions of specialists and academics with expertise in various subjects.
Concluding his remarks, the President stated that “the Executive is diligently engaged, incorporating the participation of private, social, economic, and academic stakeholders from the islands, whilst addressing the significant challenges that present new opportunities for a resolute commitment to efficiency, innovation, and the generation of economic, social, and environmental value.”
