Greece has the highest percentage of island population and area, of all the European Union countries. The essential difference from the second (Italy), is that the Greek island area is scattered and consists of very small islands, which exacerbates the problem of insularity. The challenges it faces, both at political and environmental levels, are significant, which makes it important to protect and enhance it.

In this context, the Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) for the Island Area (DAFNI) was developed. The initiative for this portal was by the Aegean Energy & Environment Bureau in collaboration with the Dafni Sustainable Islands Network, which will eventually be the final beneficiary and administrator. The application was developed by GEOSPATIAL ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES.

The project was funded by the Green Fund under the measure “Innovative Actions with Citizens” under the thematic priority “Developing and implementing policies or actions for the utilization and sustainable management of natural resources” of the Program “Natural Environment & Innovative Environmental Actions 2018”.

The SDI is open for all users and access to its data is free. It includes several layers of geospatial information (infrastructures, natural resources, land use, spatial data organization plans) that are primarily related to the Environment and Local Development. Their collection and organization were performed in order to provide the highest possible reliability and up-to-date information.

It is a valuable tool for research (scholars, universities, citizen associations) and policy making. It is primarily targeted at local authorities as well as service providers in the wider public sector, offering the ability to extract mapped information on a wide range of topics. It is also aimed at individuals and professionals involved in the design or execution of projects, as well as prospective investors.