In an event hosted in Palazzo Amati, headquarters of the Jonian Dolfin Conservation in  Taranto, the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, has highlighted the importance that sustainability plays for the Mediterranean Games.

The Mayor of Taranto, Mr Pietro Bitetti, addressing the audience, welcomed once again the Mediterranean Games in Taranto and acknowledged the value  that this event has for the city and its future. He also thanked the ICMG Secretary General for the smooth and efficient cooperation between the two organizations.

Mr. Iakovos Filippousis, Secretary General of the ICMG in his opening remarks stated:

“We are a sporting movement defined by a region and by a sea that connects our cultures, economies, communities and ecosystems. At the same time, the Mediterranean faces common challenges: climate change, pressure on natural resources, marine pollution and biodiversity loss.

For the ICMG, therefore, sustainability must become part of how we plan, how we organise, how we evaluate and ultimately how we define success.

Every host city has different realities and priorities. Our role is not to impose one model, but to establish common principles while allowing each Organising Committee to develop solutions suited to its own context.

Here in Taranto, at the 20th Mediterranean Games, we have an important opportunity to demonstrate how sporting excellence can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility, social value and long-term legacy. Because the Mediterranean is more than the setting of our Games. It is our shared home, our shared heritage and our shared responsibility.”

The event was moderated by the Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Taranto and member of the Board of Directors Taranto 2026, Mr. Mattia Giorno, who said that an event like the Mediterranean Games, can become the catalyst for a city to build a long lasting legacy in favour of its citizens and visitors,while promoting good practices for the delivery of more environmentally friendly Games.

Professor Maria Casola , of the University of Bari, while presenting the areas of the University projects related to sustainability, commented on the need to start collecting data that would enable the academic community to suggest solutions on improving the sustainability of the Games and the hosting cities.

Carmelo Fanizza, head of the Jonian Dolfin Conservation,said that the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, provide the opportunity to the international visitors to become more aware of the importance tha the cytoides play of the Mediterranean marine ecosystem.

Marco D’Adamo, Director of Palude la Vela Regional Park, showcased how the environmentally protected areas around Taranto are a valuable asset for the quality of life .

Assessore Fulvia Gravame, of the Taranto Municipality linked the hosting of the Mediterranean Games with the Municipality’s projects in the field of environment .

Mr George Kazantzopoulos, sustainability expert at the ICMG, said:

“The ICMG sustainability vision is guided by the following principles:

• Environmental Responsibility: Minimizing waste production, water, energy consumption, contribution to the battle against climate change and safeguarding the sea that unites us.
• Social Equity: Promoting accessibility, inclusion, and human rights throughout all phases of the Games.
• Economic Growth: Creating long-lasting economic benefits for local communities, with a focus on local procurement and job creation.

This agenda invites every host city to become a partner in transformation.”

Present at the event, were amongst other, the President of the Coordination Commission for Taranto 2026, Stavri  Bello, and the President of the Coordination Commission for Portimao Lagoa 2027, Ilias Dalainas, and other members of the Mediterranean Games family.