From Kythira, on the “barren line,” an innovative, innovative, and participatory initiative has been launched, bringing this island of unparalleled beauty to the forefront of both domestic and international attention as a region — a model for the restoration and regeneration of the natural environment and, at the same time, for the organization of a functional and effective prevention program, with a positive environmental and developmental impact.

The great fire of August 2017 provided the opportunity. The images of the ashes and the ruins, which usually evoke fleeting sadness and outrage before fading from memory until the next disaster, sparked a brilliant idea for action that illuminated the blackened landscape! Action for the rebirth of Kythira, through a comprehensive program that harnesses natural and human resources, scientific knowledge, and voluntary participation from the public and private sectors and the Greek diaspora.

Some people took the matter personally and took matters into their own hands. From the very beginning, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature mobilized in collaboration with relevant organizations and the local community. The cause championed by those who stepped forward immediately became the cause of the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature as well, and the journey toward the rebirth of Kythira has already begun. In this context, during a special event at the Company’s offices, an important cooperation agreement was signed with the Kythira Local Property Commission, outlining the key pillars of the action plan for repairing the damage and preventing future disasters.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos, placed the program under his patronage. The Standing Committee on the Environment of the Hellenic Parliament, which convened on June 26, 2018, at the initiative of its Chairwoman, Ms. Katerina Inglezi, held a fruitful and productive discussion with the participation of the Region of Attica, scientific bodies, the Municipality, the Piraeus Forestry Office, and others, highlighted the program’s key aspects and gave the initiative—which is already underway—the official endorsement of the Hellenic Parliament.

It is worth noting that, during the Committee’s meeting,its Chair, Ms. Katerina Inglezi, referred to the EEPF’s initiative to address the damage caused by the disaster and to prevent future disasters. The Mayor of Kythira, Mr. Efstratios Charchalakis, spoke about raising awareness in schools as well as the issue of prevention because, as he emphasized, there were four wildfires even in March, and the cause was uncontrolled burning. Mr. George Karetsos, from ELGO «Dimitra,» referred to the overall reconstruction of the island and not just to post-fire restoration. He emphasized that we must take a holistic view of the development of the primary sector, because the fires brought to light all the traditional activities that used to take place on the island.

On a scientific level, the EEPF has, since March 2018, signed a cooperation agreement with the Greek Agricultural Organization «Dimitra» (ELGO) of the Ministry of Rural Development. The purpose of this collaboration is for ELGO to develop research and development programs through the Institutes of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems (IMDO), Forest Research Institute (IDE), and the Institute of Agricultural Economics and Sociology (INAGROK). These two collaborations—with the Local Property Commission and with ELGO—underscored the importance of the program for the Revitalization of Kythira.

Most important, however, is the mobilization and response of the local community, the island’s organizations, and the Greek diaspora. For example, the participation of the local community— especially that of middle and high school students, who took part in the informational event organized by ELGO and EEPF from March 14 to 18, as well as the participation of people of all ages in the events organized by EEPF on the island on June 15, highlighted by the symbolic tree-planting ceremony on the beach at Kapsali, the display of students’ artwork at the airport and the port in Diakofto, among other activities. At the same time, throughout this period, scientists from ELGO, following on-site research, have been preparing plans for research programs and actions aimed at targeted tree-planting to restore the unique cedar forest in the Kalami and Limniona areas, to establish a modern, rational fire protection as well as a serious effort to rebuild the primary sector.

The momentum generated by the Kythira Revitalization Program demonstrates that when there is synergy backed by a plan and a vision, many things can change and serve as a model for other regions as wellfuture. The EEPF, steadfastly committed to nature conservation, will do everything in its power to contribute to the restoration and revitalization of Kythira.
Stamatis Skampardonis

Read here the issue published by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature on the topic «The Journey Toward the Rebirth of Kythira.».

The articles you'll find in this issue:

Restoration of Kythera's countryside with the aim of sustainable development
Katerina Inglezi

The journey towards the rebirth of Kythira continues...
Alexia Nikiforaki

Kythira 2017 – Yet Another Environmental Challenge
Grigoris I. Tsaltas

A new productive and developmental model for Kythira
Dr. Athanasios Ragkos

Utilization of stone terraces and walls as tools for biodiversity conservation
Dr. Georgios Karetsos, Dr. Alexandra Solomou

Planning and Research on Grazing Management in Kythira – Determination of Stocking Rate
Dr. Panagiotis Platis

Climatic and bioclimatic investigation of Kythira
Dr. Konstantinia Tsagari, Dr. Nikolaos Proutsos

Kythira and forest fires
Dr. Gabriel Xanthopoulos

The Phoenician juniper in Kythera
Georgios Mandakas, Nikolaos Proutsos

The flora of Kythira
Dr. Irini Vallianatou