D.M.T.O. of Kythera for the installation of BAPE: «Catastrophic and irreversible intervention on the island»

The New Democracy Local Organization on the island of Kythira has issued a statement expressing its clear and unequivocal opposition to the installation of industrial wind farms on Kythira. The New Democracy Local Organization of Kythira, guided by the need to protect the natural and cultural environment, highlights the serious consequences the project will have not only on the ecology and biodiversity but also on the island’s tourism identity and social cohesion.

The statement provides specific arguments to support its concerns regarding the impact on the local climate, bird migration, environmental degradation, and the alteration of Kythira’s character. At the same time, it cites a violation of the will of the citizens, while questioning the feasibility of the project at a time when gentler forms of renewable energy are being promoted worldwide.

The following is the organization's full statement:

The New Democracy Local Organization of Kythira, having studied and analyzed the issue concerning the installation of wind turbines on our island—with the protection, development, and the overall well-being of Kythira and Antikythira, and taking seriously into account the island’s carrying capacity and the impact on tourism and the local economy, given that:

• The installation of wind turbines at any location affects the local climate and weather, affects local weather, causing significant changes in surface temperature and negative changes in rainfall.
• Kythira is a migratory bottleneck through which 3,000 birds of prey pass on a regular basis during the spring and fall migrations. During these two migration periods, 35 of Greece’s 45 species of birds of prey and more than 236 bird species have been recorded on the island, 50 of which nest on Kythira. The installation of wind turbines would be catastrophic and criminal for all these birds, some of which are particularly rare.
• There will be a significant decline in tourism on the island, as its natural beauty and climate will be severely altered, with devastating consequences for the local economy, cultural heritage, and social cohesion.
• There will be significant environmental damage due to the enormous volume of transportation, construction, and installation of wind turbines, as this requires industrial facilities on a very large scale and covering a vast area.
• They are being converted into an industrial zone with wind farms, areas adjacent to archaeological sites, Natura 2000 protected areas, and on the outskirts of traditional villages, creating an unsightly environment.
• It is clear that any implementation of this project will irrevocably alter the character of the area, transforming it into an industrial landscape. The impact on the local economy—and especially on tourism and land values—will be incalculable. It is also unknown how all this concrete will affect groundwater reserves.
• It is also important to note that our clearly expressed will regarding our homeland is being ignored and violated.
• Wind turbines are now being phased out due to the adoption of new, more environmentally friendly alternative energy sources.

It expresses its categorical opposition to the installation of wind turbines, considering it to be particularly destructive, irreversible, and detrimental to the island of Kythira and its citizens, with incalculable consequences that we will be forced to confront immediately in the near future, of an ongoing nature, and which clearly lacks the required legal basis.

Sincerely,

for the Local Government Organization of the New Democracy Party in Kythira

The President

Mavromatis P. Antonios