The International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) joined policymakers, researchers, and island leaders at Capraia Smart Island 2025 (20-22 May 2025, Capraia Island, Italy), a flagship event focused on sustainable development and climate resilience for small Mediterranean islands.
The International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) joined policymakers, researchers, and island leaders at Capraia Smart Island 2025 (20-22 May 2025, Capraia Island, Italy), a flagship event focused on sustainable development and climate resilience for small Mediterranean islands.
Supported by IFAN, the event was organized by SMILO – the Small Islands Organisation, Chimica Verde Bionet, and the BlueMissionMed initiative, among other partners. The Capraia Summit served as the Pilot Platform for Sustainable Mediterranean Small Island Communities—a key contribution to the EU Mission “Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030.”
Toward long-term ecological resilience
IFAN’s participation emphasized the essential role of Aids to Navigation (AtoNs) in supporting not only maritime safety, but also long-term ecological resilience.
“Participating in Capraia Smart Island was a great opportunity for IFAN. We connected with representatives from small islands and marine protected areas across the Mediterranean, and learned about their challenges and inspiring, community-driven solutions. This exchange helps shape our future work supporting safe navigation and protecting the marine environment,” said Francesca Pradelli, IFAN’s Development Manager.
Pradelli contributed to two high-level sessions, presenting case studies on safe navigation and marine conservation in ecologically sensitive waters, and discussing funding strategies to enhance marine safety and ecosystem protection globally.
A Living Laboratory for Sustainable Islands
Over three days, participants explored topics ranging from coastal erosion and plastic pollution to blue tourism and electric port systems. On-site visits included Capraia’s desalination plant, biodiversity trails, and community-led conservation projects.
The event concluded with a forward-looking session, “Towards UNOC3: One Island,” connecting the Capraia platform to the upcoming UN Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice.
Pradelli added: “Events like this are vital because they show how navigation safety infrastructure can directly support island sustainability, marine biodiversity, and climate action.”
Get involved – IFAN can fund your project
Do you have a project that promotes safe navigation, island sustainability, or marine ecosystem protection? We want to hear from you. Submit your proposal here.
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About IFAN:
The International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing maritime safety, protecting marine ecosystems, and strengthening global navigation capabilities. IFAN ensures safer and more efficient shipping routes while minimizing environmental risks by supporting projects focused on enhancing Aids to Navigation (AtoNs) frameworks, developing technical expertise, and providing AtoN infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships, funding, and technical expertise, IFAN plays a pivotal role in securing safe, sustainable global waterways and safeguarding the world’s ocean for future generations.