PHAROS Santorini Blue Loop Living Lab kicks off with a four-day programme of action and collaboration

• May 11, 2026

From 14 to 17 May in Santorini, the Santorini Blue Loop Living Lab, developed within the PHAROS project framework, officially launches through a four-day programme of activities, activating the island as a living space for collaboration, experimentation, and real-world implementation.

This milestone marks the kickoff of a long-term Living Lab process, where local stakeholders, European initiatives, and the community come together to co-develop solutions addressing marine pollution, sustainable tourism, water management, and circular economy practices.

A programme combining education, action, and participation

The four-day agenda unfolds across the Vlychada Fishing Shelter, bringing together schools, citizens, professionals, and institutions through a diverse set of activities.

On Thursday 14 and Friday 15 May (09:00–13:00), the programme focuses on educational and experiential activities for schools, including:

1. hands-on workshops on marine protection and ocean literacy
2. upcycling activities and creative reuse of materials
3. interactive sessions through the Technology Van
4. activities at Marine Litter Collection Stations
5. awareness sessions on Posidonia seagrass ecosystems
6. trash art workshops

These sessions are co-organised by Impact Hub Athens, Aegean Rebreath, Municipality of Thira, Thira Municipal Port Fund, SYN FAB LAB, and the Blue Municipalities Network, and aim to embed environmental awareness through participation and practice.

Official kickoff: Friday 15 May

The official launch of the Santorini Blue Loop Living Lab will take place on Friday 15 May, 17:00–19:30, bringing together local authorities, businesses, fishers, the educational community, and active citizens.

This opening event serves as a platform for dialogue and co-creation, presenting:

1. the vision and structure of the Living Lab
2. the partnerships and European initiatives supporting it 
3. thematic discussions on marine protection, blue economy, water management, and sustainable tourism

Participants will engage in a first round of co-design discussions, setting the basis for future actions and collaborations on the island. The session is open to all interested stakeholders, with prior registration required.

From awareness to action: community engagement in practice

On Saturday 16 May (09:30–13:30), the programme opens to the wider public with beach clean-ups and participatory activities, inviting people of all ages to take part in coastal restoration efforts and hands-on sustainability practices.

At the same time, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May (08:00–20:00) will feature underwater clean-up operations at the Vlychada Fishing Shelter, carried out by divers in collaboration with Aegean Rebreath, the Thira Municipal Port Fund, and local fishers. These actions highlight the importance of tackling marine litter both above and below the surface.

A starting point for long-term impact

Rather than a standalone event, this four-day programme represents the operational launch of the Santorini Blue Loop Living Lab, demonstrating how solutions can be tested in real conditions, with active community involvement.

By combining education, environmental action, stakeholder engagement, and innovation, the Living Lab establishes a foundation for a long-term transition process—one that positions Santorini as a model for circular, resilient, and community-driven island development.

More information for participants in Greece can be found on the Impact Hub’s website: https://athens.impacthub.net/santorini-blue-loop-living-lab/

The event will take place in person.