The establishment and permanent installation of a new branch of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) in Kythera was announced by the Mayor of Kythera, Efstratios Harchalakis.
Following his recommendation, which was unanimously approved by the Municipal Council, the building of the former Community in Kato Livadi was granted to house the new public service. In his statement, Mr. Harhalakis focused on the importance of the decision, noting that in a period of shrinking public structures in island Greece, this development actively strengthens the local community with the addition of seven (7) permanent staff and their families, while supporting the management of the natural environment.
The following is the press release of the Municipality of Kythera:
By a unanimous decision of the Municipal Council, following the relevant recommendation of the Mayor Mr. Efstris Harhalakis, the building of the former Community of Livadi (owned by the Municipality of Kythera), in Kato Livadi, was granted to the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) in order to house the new branch of OFYPEKA which will now be permanently located on the island of Kythera. The concession is for an initial period 8 years old renewable.
Ο Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency is a legal entity under private law supervised by the Ministry of Environment and its purpose is to implement the policy of the Ministry of Environment and Energy for the the management of protected areas in Greece, the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion and implementation of sustainable development actions and the fight against climate change.
As part of its responsibilities, provision has been made for creation and operation of a new branch in Kythera, which will support the management and protection of the marine and coastal ecosystems of the wider area, the implementation of the conservation measures that will be established, the monitoring of ecological parameters, as well as systematic cooperation with local authorities, bodies and the local community.
The operation of the Kythera Branch is expected to contribute substantially to the enhancing the protection of the natural environment of the island and the surrounding marine areas, to improve on-site monitoring and management of protected areas, to support information, awareness-raising and environmental education activities, and to further highlight the scientific and environmental value of the Ornithological Station in Antikythera, as an important hub for biodiversity research and monitoring in the region.
The relevant concession agreement has already been signed by the two operators and the immediate commencement of the renovation and repair of the building at the expense of OFYPEKA is expected. According to the official information of the administration of OFYPEKA to our Municipality, the branch will be staffed with seven (7) permanent staff (5 PE Environment and 2 PE Engineers), modern vehicles and a floating vehicle for the surveillance of the marine ecosystems of the wider area.
At a time when public services on the islands are shrinking, this decision comes as an extremely positive development as a new public service will now be based on our island, with a significant number of permanent staff (7 people plus their family members), essentially strengthening the local community.
