By Niki N. Kefala
Agriculturist
niki.kefala@greenfox.gr
On the 11th and 12th of March 2022 we were proud to welcome a Research Team on Naxos Island, consisting of:
- Dr. Dimitrios Avtzis, Principal Researcher of the Forest Research Institute of Thessaloniki, Hellenic agricultural organization - "DEMETER" in the field of Forest Entomology,
- Dr. Karetsos Georgios, Forest Scientist, Research Director of the Institute of Mediterranean and Forest Ecosystems of Hellenic agricultural organization - "DEMETER", in the field of Forest Ecology and
- Nikoleta Soulioti, Specialist Scientist at the Laboratory of Forest Pathology of the Institute of Mediterranean and Forest Ecosystems of Hellenic agricultural organization - "DEMETER".
The Research Team was invited by the Municipality of Naxos and was accompanied by a team of the Directorate of Forestry of Cyclades, the local Forestry Department and Kefala Niki, Agronomist and official contractor of cutting, removing and burning of the affected trees, which was carried out in May 2021.
The purpose of this visit was the macroscopic visual evaluation of the cedar forests and the collection of samples for further laboratory examination.
The results of the site survey and the instructions on how to deal with the infestation will be announced soon, so as to prepare a comprehensive Cedar Forest Management Plan. The implementation will be immediate, aiming initially at reducing the insect populations and in the long term at eradicating them.
Summing up this two-day event, the protection of the island's unique ecosystems is based on participatory planning and strict scheduling, requiring the cooperation of the Scientific Community, the Forest Protection Directorate, the Municipality of Naxos and the citizens.
