The 2025 Costa Carras European Citizens Awards have selected two organizations for their work in heritage preservation, with Cyprus and Italy taking the top honors this year.
The Centre for Studies and Research AKTI from Cyprus received the Gold Award, while the Future Food Institute from Italy was awarded the Silver Award. The recognition comes with an upcoming ceremony at the Delphi X Economic Forum on April 9, 2025.
Established in 2023 by EUROPA NOSTRA and the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Culture, the awards memorialize Costas Carras, an iconic environmental and cultural heritage advocate.
AKTI's president, Dr. Xenia I. Loizidou, said the award supports their ongoing work in sustainability. The jury praised AKTI for its comprehensive environmental initiatives, highlighting projects like #Potavristou, which mobilized over 10,000 volunteers to collect 80 tonnes of litter globally, and educational programs like Tiganokimini, which engages over 500 schools in sustainable practices.
Equally compelling is the Future Food Institute's narrative. Founder Sara Roversi dedicated the award to the "heroic farmers and fishermen" who preserve ancestral knowledge, particularly highlighting the endangered Menaica fishing technique in Southern Italy.
The Future Food Institute, led by Sara Roversi, was recognized for its approach to food systems and cultural preservation. Established in 2014, the Future Food Institute has evolved into a global ecosystem promoting integrated ecological development. Through research, education, and innovative projects, they experiment with regenerative solutions for planetary health.
The jury, led by Ştefan Bâlici, praised both organizations for their practical approaches to environmental and cultural challenges. They highlighted the groups' efforts to engage communities and develop sustainable practices.
The awards reflect a growing trend of recognizing local initiatives that address broader environmental and cultural concerns. By supporting such work, the awards aim to encourage continued innovation in heritage preservation.
Supported by the A.G. Leventis Foundation, Delphi Economic Forum, and European Investment Bank Institute, the awards have seen a remarkable increase in participation, with 27 applications submitted from 15 countries in 2025.
The awards ceremony, scheduled for April 9, 2025, will take place during the Delphi X Economic Forum, marking a significant moment in recognizing grassroots efforts to protect Europe's endangered heritage.
Images: Courtesy of by EUROPA NOSTRA and ELLINIKI ETAIRIA – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage
