CAROUSEL PROJECT: Recommendations for Strengthening Circular Economies on Islands From the High-Level Conference in Halki
The transition to a circular economy has become a strategic priority of the European Union, contributing to climate neutrality, resource efficiency and sustainable economic development. For small island communities, however, this transition presents both significant challenges and unique opportunities. Limited natural resources, geographical isolation, dependence on imported goods and seasonal tourism require integrated development approaches that strengthen local resilience while promoting sustainable resource management and active community participation.
The High-Level Conference “Development of Local Circular Economy Communities in Small Island Municipalities of Greece” held in Halki on 11 June 2026, brought together representatives from national and regional bodies, local authorities, research institutions, environmental organisations, and island networks to discuss how circular economy approaches can support the sustainable development of island communities.
Building on the experience gained through the CAROUSEL pilot implementation in Halki and the knowledge exchanged during the project and at the conference, participants developed a set of Recommendations for Strengthening Circular Economies on Islands. The recommendations focus on four key priority areas:
- Integrating Circular Economy Principles into National and European Island Development Strategies;
- Promoting Circular Economy within the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR);
- Linking Circular Economy with Sustainable Tourism; and
- Promoting Circular Economy Principles through Education.
The recommendations are aligned with current European and national policy frameworks and aim to contribute to ongoing initiatives promoting sustainable island development, the circular economy, tourism, education and macro-regional cooperation. Their objective is to facilitate the integration of successful practices, such as those developed through the CAROUSEL project, into long-term policy frameworks that strengthen the environmental, economic and social resilience of island communities.
The CAROUSEL project and the experience in Halki demonstrate how circular economy principles can be successfully applied at the local level through collaborative ecosystems that connect municipalities, businesses, educational institutions, local creators and citizens. These local partnerships can become powerful drivers of sustainable development, generating environmental, economic and social benefits while creating a model that can be adapted and replicated in other island communities.
The CAROUSEL project, is co-funded by the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme.
