Study Pilot Islands - Interreg Euro-MED

Understanding Local Conditions to Build Climate-Neutral Futures

The Study of Pilot Islands represents the first step of the CO2 PACMAN process. Through an integrated assessment of Brač (Croatia), Crete (Greece) and Elba (Italy), the project builds a shared understanding of each island’s environmental profile, emission patterns, territorial characteristics, and social perceptions. This evidence base allows the development of tailored, place-sensitive pathways toward climate neutrality.

Research Objectives

The study of the pilot islands responds to four key objectives that align with the CO2 PACMAN Assessment Phase:

Establish a Baseline - Reconstruct Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories using IPCC methodologies and collect data on energy systems, mobility, waste, agriculture, land use, and ecosystem services.
Identify Key Challenges and Opportunities - Combine technical evidence, spatial analysis, and stakeholder insights to understand emission drivers, territorial constraints, and areas with strong decarbonisation potential.
Map Stakeholders and Governance Dynamics - IIdentify local authorities, utilities, SMEs, schools, NGOs, and citizen groups essential for the transition, forming the basis for participatory activities such as Rooting Labs and Youth Think Tanks.
Integrate Social Perceptions - Gather citizens’ awareness, concerns, and priorities through the AskyourcitizenonCaN survey and Vox Populi interviews to ensure socially grounded transition strategies.

Research Methodology

The pilot island studies employ a comprehensive, multi-method approach that combines:

Quantitative data collection on energy consumption, emissions, and resource use
Qualitative stakeholder interviews with local authorities, businesses, and community organizations
Site visits and field observations to understand local contexts and constraints
Research analyzing existing plans, policies, and sustainability initiatives
Participatory workshops engaging local communities in problem identification and solution design

Expected Outcomes

From the combined studies, CO2 PACMAN produces:

GHG Baselines for each island
Landscape scenarios supporting renewable energy suitability
Stakeholder maps to guide multi-level cooperation
Perception insights that inform socially acceptable transition pathways
Transferable methodologies for other Mediterranean islands and coastal areas

From Study to Action

The pilot island studies are action-oriented research designed to catalyze real change. By deeply understanding each island's unique challenges, opportunities, and stakeholder the CO2 PACMAN project ensures that subsequent interventions (from Rooting Labs to Innovation Co-Labs) are grounded in local realities and responsive to community needs. This foundation of knowledge transforms abstract climate goals into concrete, achievable pathways toward island climate neutrality.