We were happy to respond to the call of the Cycladic Identity Initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art for our organization to participate in the Conference “Tradition vs. Evolution in the Cyclades: The Coexistence of the Past with the Future” held on Wednesday, October 30 at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens.

The Conference program included thematic discussions on the harmonious coexistence of the traditional values ​​and cultural heritage of the Cyclades with modern needs and sustainable development.

In the framework of the conference, the challenges facing the islands were discussed, such as over-tourism, over-building, the depletion of natural resources, the alteration of the physiognomy and identity of the islands, as well as the opportunities emerging from the shift to an economy that respects the environment. Questions were raised about the strategies and practices that can or could contribute to the sustainability of the islands.

In the panel “The Nature of the Cyclades: Value and Need for Preservation”, Giorgos Lialios, Journalist and Dr. Panagiotis Pafilis, Professor of Animal Diversity, EKPA, spoke about the challenges of residential and touristic development and the importance and protection of biodiversity respectively.

On behalf of our organization, Olga Karagianni presented the history, the achievements, but also the difficulties faced by our organization and the Andros Routes project, during their 15 years of operation. She pointed out the great value of the old public hiking routes, not only as a material infrastructure of the long-standing rural heritage of Andros, but also of the modern services they provide for exercise, recreation, quality of life, acquaintance and reconnection of local society and visitors with the natural and cultural heritage of Andros, as well as for awareness and research. She also highlighted the significant commitment and maintenance required to keep walking networks in operation. She finally pointed out the criticality of preserving the primary sector on the islands, the need to creatively support local producers, breeders and processors of local products, as well as the people of the Cultural Associations, as custodians of the natural and cultural heritage of the Cyclades. Finally, she pointed out the need to support local initiatives, structures and organizations that research and act on each island to have continuity and duration in the preservation of the Cycladic heritage.

You can see our presentation in the video by clicking here from 2.10.56 to 2.24.40.