On November 3, 2025, the Spiritual Center of the Municipality of Eurotas in Skala hosted an important event addressing the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on water resources management. With increasing concerns over dwindling water supplies, the gathering aimed to highlight the challenges and seek solutions tailored to the local context of Laconia.
The event commenced with the welcoming remarks from Ioannis Panaritis, President of the Laconia Chamber of Commerce, who expressed gratitude to the speakers and participants. He emphasized the significance of the forum, drawing attention to the broader challenges facing Greece and, specifically, Laconia as it grapples with the effects of climate change. He underscored the chamber’s commitment to actively engage in vital community issues, aiming to find effective resolutions.
A series of distinguished speakers took the stage, sharing their expertise on critical aspects related to climate change and water resource management:
– Konstantinos Lagoubardos, a meteorologist and Director of Research at the National Observatory of Athens, delved into the implications of climate change specifically within Greece.
– Christos Karavitis, a Professor of Water Resources Management, presented on the significant shifts in rainfall patterns observed over the past 40 years.
– Panagiotis Samvatakakis, a hydrogeologist and Director of Water Resources and Geothermics at IGME, focused on the groundwater and surface water resources unique to Laconia.
– Georgios Bourazanis, an agronomist and General Director of the Peloponnese Agricultural Development Organization, examined the crucial topic of irrigation water consumption in Laconia, highlighting agricultural dependency on these resources.
Following the informative presentations, a dynamic discussion session unfolded, allowing participants to raise questions and express concerns directly to the speakers. Numerous inquiries emerged about the ongoing threat of drought and its implications, especially for the agriculture-dominated southern Laconia region. Attendees sought clarity on governmental strategies aimed at addressing this looming crisis and ensuring sustained agricultural productivity.
This gathering not only brought to light the immediate concerns surrounding water scarcity but also reinforced the essential collaboration between scientific research and policy-making in addressing climate challenges effectively.
