Regional Authority: Meeting with mayors about waste and recycling
CORFU. Meetings will follow with the hotel sector, supermarket chains, and catering establishments.
(Ionian Islands Regional Authority) A meeting focusing on waste management and, in particular, increasing recycling rates was held on Wednesday, February 11, under the Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Yiannis Trepeklis, with the three Mayors of the Corfu Regional Unit: Stefanos Poulimentos (Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands), Giorgos Mahimaris (North Corfu), and Yiannis Kavadias (South Corfu), as well as Deputy Mayors and officials of the Ionian Islands Solid Waste Management Authority (FODSA).
The Regional Governor pointed out that, in view of the upcoming tourist season, infrastructure issues — and especially recycling — constitute an absolute priority for both the Region and the Municipalities. He underlined that the contractor for the waste management plant has already been installed, topographical works have begun, and the geotechnical study has been completed.
During the meeting, a common framework of actions for the upcoming period was agreed upon, with emphasis on separating at source and improving waste collection. As Mr. Trepeklis announced, targeted meetings will follow with the hotel sector, supermarket chains, and catering establishments, in order to enhance the system’s effectiveness through cooperation and to reduce the high cost of waste transportation.
Particular reference was also made to the need for an information and awareness campaign to mobilise the public and businesses. As he stressed, increasing recycling translates into resource savings for the Municipalities and additional funding for new necessary infrastructure benefiting local communities.
The Regional Governor, in his capacity also as President of FODSA, highlighted the upgrading of waste management facilities, noting that, following coordination with the Mayors, the operational framework is being substantially organised and improved, with the aim of delivering quality and sustainable solutions for all the Ionian Islands.
Mr. Trepeklis stressed that cooperation between the Region and the Municipalities, as well as coordination between local government, the business community, and the public, is a strategic choice so that recycling and modern waste management can serve as drivers of environmental protection and economic sustainability for the islands.
Photo: Ionian Islands Regional Authority
