Lekkas: Kythira Fire Leads to Rapid Desertification

Professor Efthymis Lekkas warns that the recent fire on Kythira is accelerating the desertification of the island, causing permanent damage to the ecosystem and flora.

The fire, which broke out in the same area as the 2017 fire, has devastating consequences for the environment and vegetation. Mr. Lekkas emphasizes that Kythira is a self-contained environmental unit with special characteristics.

The 2017 fires had already caused significant changes to the ecosystem, groundwater and surface water, flooding and soil temperature. Despite the recovery of flora and fauna in recent years, the new fire is a huge blow.

Mr. Lekkas points out that the burnt forest will hardly be saved, while soil resources are degraded, increasing the risk of erosion. Surface water is likely to create flooding, while infiltration possibilities will be limited, degrading groundwater aquifers.

The professor proposes a multi-thematic action program by the Central Administration and Local Government to address the environmental degradation of Kythira.