ΤΠΣ ΔΗΜΟΥ ΚΥΘΗΡΩΝ

The best among 3 imperfect scenarios

Scenario 2 is the preferred option of the three presented. Among these given options, it is the most sustainable and beneficial for the island in the long term. This scenario exploits Kythera’s advantages, particularly its natural beauty and relative underdevelopment relative to other Greek islands, as well as distinctive agricultural products. It also makes a start toward protecting these assets against overdevelopment and oversaturation of tourist numbers at the expense of quality.

This scenario, however, contains several flaws and omissions. It is surprising to see attracting cruise ships as an objective, given the problems faced by other tourist destination in Greece and abroad as a result of cruise ship visitors who offer little to these destinations. Mining and quarrying, which are also cited as desirable objectives, have the potential for environmental destruction and would dissuade quality tourism.

An omission in this scenario is the improvement of the road network, and particularly the main road connecting Potamos with Chora, with is poorly surfaced and narrow in many parts, with inadequate lane markings or passing areas. Improving the existing road network is crucial given the isolation of many communities from amenities such as shopping and public services, and it is unlikely a public transportation system would cover such needs. Likewise, two of the main challenges faced by residents today – insufficient and/or inconsistent supply of electricity and water – are not addressed in detail but only through general statements.

Scenario 1 is not sustainable and would lead to economic and sociopolitical stagnation. Even current tourist numbers overwhelm the existing infrastructure during the peak season of July and August. This scenario does not address this issue, nor the challenges of electricity and water supply, inadequate healthcare provision, and insufficient year-round employment opportunities for young people.

Scenario 3 is also highly problematic. Tourism is seen as a key economic activity, but Kythera’s unique selling point – a quiet, less developed destination – will be degraded, particularly with the establishment of wind turbines, cruise ship infrastructure, mining and quarrying, and large-scale tourist developments. This makes it highly unlikely that tourist revenue can be increased sufficiently to provide the necessary returns that would attract private investment.

It would also have been useful to provide detailed financial projections for these scenarios: what level of funding, both public and private, would be required, and where would this come from? And this may have been buried in the mass of information presented online, but who will actually make the decision on what scenario will be adopted?

Finally, it is disappointing that such potentially momentous plans are presented with little publicity and opportunities for public consultation. While I am a permanent resident of another EU country, my roots are from Kythera and we have built a property where we spend 5 months a year, so I feel invested in the island’s future.