Kytherian Foundation for Culture and Development (ΚΙΠΑ), true to its vision of transforming Kythera and Antikythera into models of sustainable development, actively participates as a key partner in the groundbreaking European program FUTURAL Horizon Europe.
FUTURAL («Empowering the future through innovative smart solutions for rural areas») is a flagship project of the European Union that aims to strengthen rural and island regions through the development of smart, digital, and social innovations. In this way, the project seeks to bridge the digital and economic divide between major urban centers and rural areas, highlighting cultural heritage and strengthening the infrastructure of local communities.
The Role of Kythira as a "Multi-Actor Pilot" (MAP)
Within the framework of the program, Kythira has been selected as one of the six European Multi-Actor Pilots (MAPs), representing Greece alongside regions from Austria, Belgium, Spain, Lithuania, and Romania.
Led by KIPA, and in close cooperation with Agricultural University of Athens (which oversees the overall coordination of FUTURAL) and the European Institute Lisbon Council, Kythera is a living lab. Here, modern technologies are tested in practice to provide answers to real-life challenges of island daily life.
The 3 Digital Platforms that KIPA is developing for Kythira
KIPA’s participation in FUTURAL has resulted in tangible, innovative digital tools for the island, which are divided into three main pillars:
- Digital Education Platform (FUTURAL e-Learning): From the Labs to Practice Following a series of successful interactive workshops and open consultations with the local community, the modern e-learning platform was created. futural-learning.eu. The platform offers specialized, free courses in critical areas for the island's future:
- Beekeeping To enhance and promote the great Kytherian honey.
- Rational Water Management: A vital lesson for tackling water scarcity and the sustainability of the region.
- FixMyKytheraTrails Platform (Trail Maintenance & Protection) Leveraging the international recognition of the network Kythera Trails, the digital application was developed FixMyKytheraTrails. This platform enables residents, hikers, and visitors to become active citizens. Through their mobile phones, they can easily and quickly report any issues on the trails (such as fallen trees, damaged signage, or obstacles), confirming the location via GPS and uploading photos, so that KIPA can promptly attend to their restoration.
- Resilience to Shocks Platform: Monitoring the Gefyri di Lefkon Bridge This is an extremely innovative third-party platform that focuses on the security of the island’s infrastructure. Through FUTURAL, special sensors were installed in the Bridge at Diakofti, the main port of Kythira. This platform gathers and analyzes real-time data, recording how the bridge's stability and structure are affected by vibrations and loads as cars, heavy vehicles, and trucks pass over it daily. This tool offers valuable data for wear prevention and safeguarding the island's most important entry gate.
Community and Collaboration for the Future
The success of FUTURAL is based on the participation of the Kythirian community itself. Through co-creation workshops, the people of Kythira themselves contribute their ideas to the development of these digital solutions, proving that technology can effectively serve the region.
Learn more and follow the project's progress:
- FUTURAL Official Website: futural-project.eu
- The project's e-Learning platform: futural-learning.eu
- Try the reporting platform for the trails: fixmy.kytheratrails.gr
- KIPA Website: kipa-foundation.org