Kythera
Smart Village initiative promoting agricultural and environmental sustainability
Description
Kythera is one of the largest islands in Greece, and has an economy based primarily on tourism. Among the challenges faced by the island are the maintenance and attraction of new inhabitants, and the depletion and decreasing quality of water stocks (water, irrigation, drainage). Under the Smart Rural 27 initiative, a Smart Village strategy was launched in 2020 that included a “Sustainable Energy Action Plan”, a “Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan” and a “Water Resources Management Plan”. One of the main objectives of the Smart Village Strategy is to promote agricultural and environmental sustainability through the introduction of new agricultural technologies and smart farming solutions on the island.
Technology
Modern infrastructures and sensors have been installed on Kythera for the remote monitoring of drinking water quality and quantity, as well as to detect malfunctions and reduce losses. The "Remote Monitoring and Management of Kythera’s Water System" project makes use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for the transfer of data to the municipality headquarters for efficient management. The largest ongoing project in the area is entitled "Waste Management in the Municipality of Kythera", and relates to the establishment of recycling infrastructures in Kythera and Antikythera, that processes bio-waste into compost. Despite its remote location, the island boasts excellent fibre internet connectivity to all residential areas on the island. Members of the public are kept informed about the initiatives under the strategy through social media (Facebook and LinkedIn).
Target
The main target of the smart village project is the island’s young population, with the aim being to encourage them to stay and find work on the island through the creation of appropriate conditions. The main associations and cooperatives operating on the island are those looking after the interests of beekeepers and farmers.
Impact
The Smart Village Strategy aims to enhance the production of local products, primarily olive oil, honey, and aromatic and medicinal plants, while promoting the preservation of Kythera’s landscapes, ecosystems and biodiversity. There is a further goal to increase the quality of tourism on the island by supporting alternative forms of tourism through the promotion of cultural heritage, the natural beauty of the island and local products.
Partners
Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA); European Commission;
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
