The Kythira Foundation for Culture & Development (K.I.P.A.) since its establishment to date, through educational activities, cultural events, European programs, and restoration projects, works for an island where nature and humans coexist harmoniously. Within this context, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, we organized an important event—an open discussion entitled «Kythira after the fire of 2025: Restoration – Regeneration, Prevention», in collaboration with Kythira Association Educational Center of Kythira, and with distinguished guest experts and valued partners from environmental organizations and agencies, including, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), WWF-Greece, MedINA, IMDO/ELGO «Dimitra,» and the University of the Aegean, with whom we joined forces for the good of the island after the summer fires.
With a sense of responsibility towards the theme of the event, restoration and prevention, and with the importance we attach to both scientific and local knowledge, we sought to encourage community members to actively participate with their ideas, thoughts, and suggestions.
The aim of the workshop was to present the data in order to devise a valid strategy for mitigating the effects of the recent fires on Kythira's natural environment and the livelihoods of the island's inhabitants, as well as to take active measures to prevent fires.
Our strategy will be shaped by the evaluation of scientific presentations in interaction with the local community, and will include a comprehensive program of actions, such as the creation of apiaries, the repair of dry stone terraces, the establishment and management of a local seed bank, the support and expansion of traditional dry farming methods (bambakia), etc.
KIPA has opened a special account to support this initiative to rebuild Kythira after the fires..
Anyone interested in contributing to the foundation's initiative can make a direct donation to our special account at the National Bank of Greece:
IBAN: GR0401103800000038000395780, SWIFT: ETHNGRAA
The account will remain open for as long as it takes to implement our proposals, and will be reinforced with supporting actions in the coming years for this purpose, about which we will inform the community.
In conclusion, KIPA's response to the threat of fire before and after is clear: It is the combination of scientific knowledge through collaboration between stakeholders, the strengthening of the primary sector, with respect for the land of Kythira and traditional practices, and the care that the local community will show through its role in volunteering.
These are the tools that our workshop has highlighted, which will help us move forward, and with the support of the local authorities, we will avoid risky interventions that disrupt the balance between the man-made and natural environment of our island.
