ISLANDS project: the kick-off meeting in São Miguel

🇪🇺 ISLANDS is co-funded by the European Union

The ISLANDS project officially entered its operational phase with the kick-off meeting held in São Miguel, Azores, in March 2026.

Originally planned for January, the meeting was postponed due to adverse weather conditions that made travel and activities difficult. However, this delay did not slow down the project.

In the meantime, partners remained in constant contact, working online, aligning on key aspects and preparing the ground for an effective in-person start.

When the consortium finally met in São Miguel, the foundations of the project were already strong, making the kick-off meeting both productive and highly collaborative.

🌍 Building a shared vision

The first day focused on building a shared understanding of the project.

Partners were introduced to the ISLANDS vision, its methodology and the overall work plan. A key session explored environmental challenges in remote and island contexts, including biodiversity protection, water resource management, tourism pressure and agricultural practices.

This moment was essential to connect the project’s mission with the real conditions experienced in each territory.

The day continued with the definition of roles and responsibilities within the partnership, ensuring clarity in coordination and implementation.

A team-building session then helped strengthen trust and cooperation among participants.

🏝️ Exploring the social challenges of island communities

The second day shifted towards the social dimension of the project.

Through a dedicated workshop, partners explored key challenges affecting island communities, such as unemployment, social isolation, cultural integration and inclusion.

This discussion allowed participants to reflect on how sport can actively respond to these issues, becoming a tool for connection, participation and community development.

The consortium also worked on defining the monitoring and evaluation framework, establishing how progress and impact will be measured throughout the project.

In parallel, partners started planning the upcoming training and sports activities that will take place before the next transnational meeting.

📣 Visibility, action and local engagement

The final day focused on visibility and action.

Participants were introduced to communication and dissemination strategies, with the aim of effectively engaging local communities, stakeholders and wider audiences.

A key planning session was dedicated to the “flash and biking competition”, one of the first concrete activities of the project.

Partners defined its objectives, logistics and implementation approach, ensuring coherence across the three islands.

The meeting concluded with a clear roadmap for the next steps, reinforcing commitment and shared direction.

🤝 Three islands, one team

The kick-off meeting in São Miguel marked more than just the beginning of the project.

It was the moment in which three islands officially started working as one team, combining perspectives, experiences and challenges into a shared strategy.

With a solid foundation in place, ISLANDS is now ready to move forward, bringing sport, inclusion and environmental awareness into action across the three territories.