The seed bank «Kythera Seed Ark» is an initiative of the MedINA in cooperation with the Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development (K.I.P.A.) where the Seed Bank is hosted for the systematic collection and recording of local varieties of the island, the safe preservation of propagating material, the exchange and sharing of seeds. At the same time, it also serves as a reference point for the island's network of conservationists.
Many local varieties of Kythera, such as wheat, wheat koutrullo and dimini, tsirigotiko beans, watermelon and melon as well as ajouri, manarola and sweetcorn are included in the material of the «Ark» and can be freely distributed to producers and all residents of Kythera who wish to cultivate and enjoy the deliciousness of their fruits!
With collective effort and the contribution of everyone, the rare and valuable genetic material of Kythera's cultivated plants - the result of hundreds of years of selection by farmers - can be protected, thus contributing to the dissemination of local varieties to future generations. By preserving the genetic material, the biodiversity and the agri-food future of the island is protected and preserved.
If you are interested in offering or preserving local varieties, you can visit/contact the K.I.P.A. (Livadi, 80100, Kythera, kipa.idrima@gmail.com & info@kipa-foundation.org, tel: 27360 37006 & 210383 2806) through which you will become an important link in the conservation chain!
The project «KYTHERACE - Saving the Seeds: Preserving agrobiodiversity in Kythera» is implemented in cooperation with the Kythira Foundation for Culture & Development (K.I.P.A.) and with the support of A.G. Leventis Foundation.
