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(Press Release - excerpts) Can the Cyclades combine prosperity with the preservation of the traditions that make them unique? How can the infrastructure on the islands cope with the increased demand for services - and at what point should a limit be placed on this demand? What regulations will allow for a balanced development of construction in respect of the natural environment and Cycladic architecture? These and other questions will be addressed by the “Sustainable Cyclades” programme of the “Journalism Initiative”. It is a new journalistic project with an 18-month horizon that focuses on critical aspects of sustainable development, environmental protection and carrying capacity in the South Aegean island cluster under the pressure of over-tourism. ...

The urgent importance of coordinated actions by governments, businesses and citizens in addressing environmental challenges is well recognised by the international community [1] [2] [3]. A better future for humanity requires profound changes in our attitudes and behaviour. Especially in Greece, due to both its geographical location and its development model, there is an increased urgency to highlight and address the multi-modal issues that arise. Choices made now affect the medium- to long-term sustainability of the country both as a cohesive society and as a healthy economy. ...

“How does a law change?” “How do I mobilize people?” “Are advocacy actions funded?” “Is advocacy for big organizations?” On the other side are important allies, the Greek media that communicate advocacy actions and assist in the implementation of ideas. But often suspicion and lack of communication is detected. The media are sceptical about the transparency of NGOs and the NGOs, for their part, do not trust the media and the validity of the information published. ...

For the project YourStory@Melissa, with Journalism Initiative acting as coordinator, we apply methodologies and know-how introduced and extended over the years via #Youstory action initiated at inside story. Under the framework of this project, these techniques are adapted to be applied for the benefit of the Melissa network. The aim of the project is to support, encourage and organize the community of women of Melissa in their effort to contribute to the solutions and co-shape the change they wish for themselves by applying Design Thinking and Co-Creation methods with an emphasis on determining the best solutions for themselves and the community. ...

Advocacy is an internationally acclaimed tool for Civil Society, in its efforts to bring institutional change to important social problems. In Greece, especially in the periphery, advocacy activities are either limited or of limited efficiency, with exceptions in human rights, environmental or social welfare issues. This is attributed to 2 factors: Firstly, non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Greece lack knowledge and expertise regarding advocacy’s methodology and tools, in order to design and implement effective relevant activities Secondly, the negative image of non-profits in the media and the general public pose as an obstacle to the potential communication and collaboration of all parties for a good cause and their active participation to decision-making. Τhe project “Non-profits & Media advocating for good!” aims to strengthen civil society advocacy and watchdog role in Greece. To achieve that, the project offers a framework of experiential training and collaboration, benefitting 32 media representatives and 32 non-profits’ staff in 4 cities of Greece, selected based on that fact that they have both vibrant NPO communities and media as well as significant social issues, in order to co-create and implement together advocacy activities. ...