The aim of the initiative is the sustainable development of the local communities in which we operate in addition with the protection of the environment and the promotion of renewable energy sources. By supporting an activity that promotes the athletic spirit, the fair play and a sustainable way of moving, we try to bring our fellow citizens closer to green energy to become our allies in the fight against climate change and at the same time to promote the tourism development of the region.
The Creating Shared Value model is one of the main pillars of development of our company worldwide and it was applied for the first time in Greece with the construction of the emblematic project of Kafireas, a cluster of 7 wind farms in South Evia with a capacity of 154 ,1MW with independent electrical interconnection that connects South Evia with Attica.
This race was organized in collaboration with the Hellenic Cycling Federation and the Karystia Cycling Club. The race appointed the Greek champions in various categories and played a decisive role in the Federation's decision on the athletes who will represent Greece at the Tokyo Olympics.
Part of the race passed through the natural beauty monument of Kastanologos, a centuries-old chestnut forest located on Mount Ochi at an altitude of about 1,000 meters. This forest has shrunk by 40% and its shrinkage would continue until it disappears. The company reforests in Kastanologos about 640 acres with 30,000 native trees to regenerate the shrinking forest.
By including the forest of Kastanologos in the racing route, always adopting the necessary measures for the protection of the forest, it brought the competitors and the visitors in contact with a forest of unique beauty and value with the logic that many will return to the area to admire the natural beauty and do activities in nature.
The races took place in July 2020 and attracted athletes from all over Greece as well as hundreds of local and non-visitors who had the opportunity to experience an admittedly special experience, against the backdrop of Mount Ochi, Kastanologos, and the sea. This event was covered by national media, social media and, of course, local media.
Through targeted activities such as the above, the creation of mutual value and trust with the local communities is achieved, their familiarity with RES and the additional economic and social benefits that can be created by hosting renewable facilities are highlighted. This initiative contributes to the achievement of the Global Sustainable Development Goals to which Enel is committed, namely to the following:
Objective 3 - Good health and prosperity,
Objective 8 - Decent work and economic development,
Objective 11 - Sustainable cities and communities,
Objective 17 - Cooperation on objectives