What we do
CO2 PACMAN applies an integrated, evidence-based and participatory methodology across the pilot islands. The approach combines local data collection, carbon footprint assessment, stakeholder mapping, community engagement, open innovation and scenario visualisation within a toolkit. By connecting scientific evidence with territorial needs and stakeholder priorities, it supports the co-design of feasible decarbonisation pathways and locally grounded roadmaps, while strengthening the transferability of project results to other Mediterranean islands.
Main Innovative Practices
- Kick Off Meeting. The opening meeting of the CO2 PACMAN project, bringing together project partners to define a common approach, discuss the planned activities and establish the basis for cooperation. It marked the start of the project’s work towards supporting the three pilot islands on their pathway to climate neutrality. Learn more
- CO2 PACMAN Rooting Labs. Three-day workshops held in the pilot islands to explore local conditions, gather data and work directly with stakeholders. Through field visits, discussions and co-working sessions, the Labs helped identify key challenges, available resources and opportunities for the climate transition. Learn more
- Citizen Engagement. A participatory process inspired by the BLUE DEAL “Ask Your Citizens” approach. Through surveys, consultation and dialogue, citizens shared their priorities, concerns and ideas, helping shape realistic and locally supported pathways toward decarbonization. Learn more
- GHG Balance. A scientific assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and removals across the main sectors of each pilot island. It provides a clear baseline, highlights the most relevant emission sources and carbon sinks, and supports informed climate-neutrality planning. Learn more
- CO2 PACMAN Tool. An interactive visualisation tool that calculates the island’s GHG emissions and uptakes and translates it into the virtual forest area needed to absorb the equivalent CO₂ emissions. It helps users explore and compare alternative decarbonisation scenarios. Learn more
- Youth Think Tank. An initiative involving secondary school and university students from the pilot islands and beyond. Young participants shared ideas, explored climate challenges and developed their vision of a climate neutrality future, bringing fresh perspectives into the transition process. Learn more
- Open Innovation Collaborative Action. A collaborative process linking local island challenges with companies, experts and solution providers. It encouraged the development of innovative proposals in renewable energy, energy efficiency and ecosystem-based approaches. Learn more
- 3D Virtual Reality Experience. An immersive experience that brings island landscapes and proposed interventions to reality through 3D simulations. Public authorities, stakeholders and citizens can explore different scenarios, better understand their impacts and discuss possible solutions. Learn more
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Landscape Analysis and Decarbonisation Scenarios. Exploring renewable energy integration and alternative decarbonisation scenarios for Elba, Brač and Crete through landscape assessments and design proposals that respect each island’s environmental, cultural and visual identity. Learn more
- “The Island I Would Like” Labs and Transition Roadmaps. A second round of three-day workshops dedicated to presenting, discussing and validating project results with local stakeholders and citizens. The Labs helped turn evidence, ideas and proposed actions into a Climate Neutrality Transition Roadmap tailored to each island. Learn more
- CO2 PACMAN Impact Forum. A two-day event held in Athens to share project results and discuss how the experience of Brač, Crete and Elba can support wider climate-neutrality pathways across the Mediterranean. Learn more
THE NEXT CHAPTER: TRANSFER PHASE
Following the completion of the Test Phase, CO2 PACMAN is continuing through a new Transfer Phase. Building on the methodologies, tools and experience developed in Brač, Crete and Elba, the project will extend its work to the City of Athens and the Regional Government of Tuscany, adapting its approach to new metropolitan and regional contexts and supporting the wider uptake of its results across the Mediterranean.
Where It All Began
CO2 PACMAN builds on the experience and results of BLUE DEAL, an Interreg MED project that promoted blue energy solutions and supported sustainable energy transitions across Mediterranean territories. By transferring knowledge, methodologies and stakeholder networks developed through BLUE DEAL, CO2 PACMAN takes this cooperation a step further, combining scientific assessment, citizen engagement and innovative tools to support the transition of Mediterranean islands towards climate neutrality.
