After learning about sustainability and visiting hydra I would never have guessed that they face sustainability problems. They don’t really use any cars besides a few garbage trucks, everything is really walkable, they use donkeys as transportation, and everything seems so simple and clean there. However there does seem to be some sustainability issues after all. I think it is amazing that they want to improve this island! 

The island of Hydra only economic activity occurs from tourists. Which means most occupations revolve around tourists activity as well. Unfortunately there has been a significant decline in visitors over the years. Some issues they face is that there is a scarcity for water where water comes from a water boat that transports water from the mainland. A solution that they are aiming for is to switch to wind power to generate electricity and pump water to the reservoir. They are also investigating the possibility of collecting rainwater. Their power and energy source is also unsustainable since it is lignite fuelled power stations. A possible solution is wind and solar power or wave power. Solar panels are actually banned on the island due to it being historic. Hydra’s waste is another main concern as it is all dumped in one area then set on fire creating hazardous waste leakage in the sea and soil. An approach to fix this is to reduce plastic and other waste. There is a need to manage land usage due to unoccupied second homes and abandoned properties. The land could be better used to plant making it more self-sufficient. They are planning to create a survey to explore the island’s education and employment. There is a need for more job opportunities for soon graduates. A major issue on the island is transportation. Even though without automobiles the island is more sustainable, it is not ideal for the island. Without any airport or access to helicopters the only access to the island is the sea and their main ferry Hellenic Seaways. Fixing these problems will make the island so much more sustainable and improve the island overall. This is important for future generations and respecting the environment of the whole community. Thankfully since this research has been created in the past 10 years sustainability has become a priority for the island.