The “Culture & Innovation Workshop” focusing on the creation of a cultural route dedicated to the olive was successfully completed on Sunday, October 19, 2024, in Kythera (Fratsia Conference Center).
The workshop was organized by the Cultural Organization “Routes of the Olive Tree” in collaboration with local stakeholders, as part of the Local Program CLLD/LEADER 2014-2020, “Culture and Environment in Motion.” The program included working meetings and discussions with representatives from points of interest along the route, which were selected following field research, as well as speeches and presentations on the long-standing history and presence of the olive in Kythera. Collaborators of the organization presented the findings of the research, the sustainability potential of the route through olive tourism, and innovative practices.
The interest and participation of the local community were impressive, with many representatives of local organizations, entrepreneurs, veterans, and young producers of traditional products, as well as other professionals, actively attending the sessions. Participants engaged actively in the dialogue, exchanging views and experiences regarding the protection and promotion of the cultural heritage of the olive, its products, and the unique natural and cultural wealth of the island. Through this dialogue, a common will for sustainable development emerged, based on responsible alternative tourism actions that leverage local resources and protect the traditions that shape the identity of the place.
Among the participants were the Presidents of the Olive Oil Cooperatives of Potamos, Mr. Panagiotis Souris, and Leivadion, Mr. N. Stathis; olive mill owners Mr. Gavrilis Charos and Giannis Lourantos; beekeeper Mr. Giannis Protopsaltis, a representative of the Kytherian Foundation for Culture & Development (KIPA); Mr. Pavlos Koronaios, owner of the bakery (former olive mill) in Karava; Ms. Elena Mageirou, owner of the farm “Porfyrousa”; Mr. Brettos Sklavos, a nature guide and organizer of outdoor activities and tours; Ms. Myrto Nikologianni, from the hotel business/alternative tourism activities; and Mr. Kostas Pavlakis and Ms. Eleni Protopsaltis, owners of the exemplary cultural space “Fava’s Olive Mill,” among others.
Notably, Ms. Stavroula Fatsea, Principal of Kythera High School and a distinguished researcher of the island’s flora and mycoflora, contributed significantly to the success of the Culture & Innovation Workshop.
