Webinar series "Island Economies: Monoculture or Diversification"

En línia
14 July 2025 - 13 October 2025

The webinar series "Island economies: monoculture or diversification" was created with the aim of analyzing the economic models of various island territories, with a special focus on the dichotomy between economies based on a single sector (monoculture) and those that have opted for economic diversification. This academic and debate space seeks to reflect on the advantages, risks and challenges of both approaches.

Objectives of the cycle

  • To analyze the economic models of several European and overseas islands.
  • To generate debate on the need to diversify island economies.
  • To facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices.
  • To promote knowledge on the economic specificities of island territories.

Webinar Series Program

  • July 14 at 5:30 p.m. - "Do agricultural subsidies really work on islands? Abandonment and intensification of farming on Greek islands"
    • Lecture by Dr. Thanasis Kizos (University of the Aegean).This session will examine the role of Greek state aid on the islands and explore economic diversification.
  • July 21 at 5:30 p.m. – “Sardinia: Monoculture vs. Diversification: Energy, Sustainability, and Economic Resilience”
    • Lecture by Dr. Stefano Matta (Università degli Studi di Cagliari).This session will explore economic diversification initiatives in Sardinia and the challenges faced by this island territory.
  • September 8 at 5:30 p.m. – “Insularity, housing access, and restrictions on real estate acquisition by non-residents”
    • Lecture by Dr. Joan David Janer (University of the Balearic Islands). This session will offer an alternative perspective on the housing issue in the Balearic Islands and its economic context.
  • September 15 at 5:30 p.m. – “From Diaspora to Mass Tourism. The Evolution of Corsica's Economy (20th–21st Centuries)”
    • Lecture by Dr. Marcel Farinelli (CIEE Barcelona).This session will analyze the economic planning implemented by France since 1957 to address Corsica's challenges and its consequences.
  • September 29 at 5:30 p.m. – “The Canary Islands. Socioeconomic Wellbeing and the Incentives of the Specific Economic and Fiscal Regime”
    • Lecture by Dr. Carmelo Javier León (University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). This session will provide an overview of the Canary Islands’ Economic and Fiscal Regime and its impact on social wellbeing and the archipelago's population.
  • October 13 at 5:30 p.m. – “Broken Promises: Eco Tourism and Rampant Construction”
    • Lecture by Dr. Rose Marie Azzopardi (University of Malta).This session will explore how an island has faced the challenge of diversification or avoiding tourism monoculture.

Importance and Impact
This webinar series represents a key opportunity to discuss the future of island economies and highlight the unique characteristics of these territories. Its impact is reflected in several dimensions:

  • Knowledge creation: Comparative analysis enables a better understanding of economic dynamics on islands and potential strategies for their sustainable development.
  • Fostering dialogue: The participation of speakers from different regions promotes academic and professional debate.
  • Visibility of island economies: It promotes a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by these territories.
  • Collaboration network: The series encourages connections between experts, academics, and institutions interested in island economic development.

Conclusions

The Island Economies: Monoculture or Diversification series contributes significantly to the study and dissemination of knowledge on island economic models. These sessions will encourage deep reflection on the strategies needed for the economic sustainability of these territories.