The Kythira City Council unanimously approved the free transfer of use of municipal property to house the «Organization for the Natural Environment and Climate Change» (O.F.Y.P.E.K.A.). The decision (No. 16/2026) was adopted at the regular meeting held on April 6, 2026.
The Role of the New Annex
O.F.Y.P.E.K.A. It is a legal entity under private law that is supervised by the Ministry of the Environment. According to the decision, the establishment of the new branch office in Kythira is intended to support the management and protection of the region’s marine and coastal ecosystems. It is also expected to help further highlight the Antikythera Bird Station as an important center for biodiversity monitoring.
The property and the strict terms of the concession
The location chosen to house the organization's services is the former Livadi Community Store. The contract to be signed includes clear commitments:
- The building is located in the village of Kato Livadi and has a floor area of 57.80 square meters, situated on a lot measuring 163.98 square meters..
- The property is being transferred entirely without compensation.
- The term of the concession is set at eight (8) years, beginning upon the signing of the relevant agreement.
- The building will be used exclusively for the operations and needs of the Agency's offices in Kythira and Antikythira.
- Subletting to third parties or changing the use of the space is expressly prohibited.
- O.F.Y.P.E.K.A. undertakes to perform, at its own expense, major maintenance and upgrade work, such as replacing window frames, repairs to electrical and plumbing systems, insulation, and painting.
- The Municipality of Kythira reserves the right to revoke the concession should the reasons for granting it no longer apply..
To complete the process, the City Council authorized the Mayor of Kythira, Mr. Efstratios Charchalakis, to proceed with the signing of the private agreement and to take any necessary legal action.
