Project Environment – euPOLIS
The Municipality of Piraeus, within the framework of the international research project euPOLIS, funded by the Horizon 2020 programme, successfully held the project’s central event and conference on 📅 25–26 August 2025, in collaboration with KATAKORYFO M. IKE.
The euPOLIS project aimed to develop and apply Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to enhance public health, social well-being, and the resilience of urban environments. Piraeus was one of the four “Front-Runner Cities” (together with Belgrade, Lodz, and Gladsaxe), implementing pilot interventions in the Akti Dilaveri – Mikrolimano area.
The mission of euPOLIS included:
- Replacing the traditional perception that artificial systems protecting the environment come at a high cost, by introducing natural systems that improve both public health and urban resilience with lower life-cycle costs.
- Proposing a structured approach that integrates natural and man-made systems while evaluating their social, cultural, and economic impacts.
- Revitalising urban ecosystems by addressing issues such as low biodiversity in public spaces, limited access to clean water, and underutilised remote areas, thus increasing overall sustainability.
- Strengthening urban resilience (functional, social, economic) through participatory planning tools, with a focus on inclusivity regarding gender, age, and disability.
- Improving citizens’ quality of life by providing pleasant, accessible public spaces for socialisation and interaction.
- Recording and quantifying the impact of interventions on public health and well-being.
Project Scope – Role of KATAKORYFO M. IKE
KATAKORYFO M. IKE successfully undertook and delivered all tasks related to the organisation, support, and implementation of the central euPOLIS event in Piraeus, ensuring its smooth and professional execution.
Deliverables included:
- D1: Coordination, planning, and production of the event, venue set-up and decoration (banners, stands, floral arrangements), speaker podium, seating arrangements, and on-site supervision.
- D2: Comprehensive catering and service (25 & 26 August 2025), including coffee, beverages, snacks, light meals, special menus (vegan, gluten-free), service staff, and waste management with separate bins (bio-waste, recycling, mixed).
- D3: Full technical support and equipment at the Piraeus Municipal Theatre foyer (microphones, speakers, sound mixer, projection equipment) with on-site technician.
- D4: Transportation and transfers for speakers and partners (25 August 2025), including bus rental for up to 50 people.
- D5: Human resources for reception and participant support (26 August 2025), with staff for registrations, guidance, and assistance.
With these contributions, KATAKORYFO M. IKE reaffirmed its role as a reliable partner, offering high-quality services and playing a key role in the project’s successful completion.
Objectives and Expected Results
The main objectives of the euPOLIS central event in Piraeus were:
- To present the project’s actions, interventions, and achievements.
- To disseminate knowledge and experience to stakeholders and the local community.
- To enhance networking and collaboration among partners and participants.
- To showcase Piraeus as a front-runner city in the application of innovative, nature-based urban solutions.
Expected results included:
- Raising awareness of the benefits of NBS for health and quality of life.
- Knowledge exchange and best-practice sharing among project partners and participants.
- Strengthening local and international visibility of the project and its interventions.
- Establishing a legacy of collaboration and expertise for future sustainable urban development projects.
Through these outcomes, the event significantly contributed to the project’s successful closure and highlighted its positive impact on both the city and its citizens — thanks to the vital contribution of KATAKORYFO M. IKE.