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7th World Conference of Cretans - Climate crisis and the environmenttranslated

July 25, 2026 · 1 min read

Focusing on the challenges of the climate crisis and their effects on Crete, the work of the 7th World Congress of Cretans continued on Friday, July 24 at the Orthodox Academy of Crete, in Kolymbari, Chania. The second day of the Conference was dedicated to the theme "Climate Crisis and Environment", highlighting the need for immediate action, cooperation and the adoption of sustainable policies for the future of the island.

In the presence of representatives of the state, local government, the academic community, entrepreneurship and the Cretan Diaspora, a substantial dialogue was developed on the major environmental challenges facing Crete, but also on the opportunities created through innovation, scientific knowledge and international cooperation.

A special moment of the day was the keynote speech by the former Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Mr. Yiannis Kefalogiannis, who referred to the modern challenges that climate change creates for the country and especially for Crete.

The Minister pointed out that Crete can become a European model of resilience in the face of the climate crisis.

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (9) 🌐 Show original

Христина Петренко

It is interesting that it is in Crete, at the Orthodox Academy, that the climate crisis is being discussed. I remember the speech of Mr. Kefalogiannis - he said that Crete can become a European example of sustainability. I would like to know what specific steps they propose for our agriculture, because droughts are becoming more frequent here too.

Gregory Mitchell

The Orthodox Academy in Kolymbari is a good spot for this kind of talk. Kefalogiannis is right that Crete could lead the way on resilience, but I'd like to hear the actual steps they have in mind for the olive groves and vineyards around here. Our local farmers already see the drier summers every year.

Štefan Šimko

I agree that the Orthodox Academy in Kolymbari is an ideal place for such topics. Kefalogiannis was right that Crete could set an example, but I would be interested in what they specifically propose for irrigation and protection of olives - here in eastern Slovakia we see how drought destroys gardens, so I would like to know if they also talked about drought-resistant varieties.

Jana Nováková

I agree, the Orthodox Academy in Kolymbari is a really great place for such discussions. Kefalogiannis mainly mentioned better water management and new irrigation systems, but not much was said about drought-resistant olives. Here in the east, we are also struggling with drought, so I would like to know what varieties of olives you are trying in Slovakia?

Eva Balážová

I agree, Kolymbari is perfect for such discussions, there you can always combine science with faith. Kefalogiannis talked mainly about new retention tanks and waste water recycling, but drought-resistant olive varieties were forgotten. Here in Slovakia, I would rather bet on local fruit varieties that can handle less water - do you have any experience with this in the garden?

Ivana Kováčová

I agree, Kolymbari really combines science with faith very naturally. In our garden, we mainly try old Slovak varieties of apples and plums, which need less water, and they do better than the new hybrids. I wonder if you have tried any particular variety of olives that could survive in our greenhouse at least.

Zuzana Nováková

I agree, retention tanks and water recycling are really key in Crete, as Kefalogiannis said. In my garden in Svidník, I mainly try the old plum 'Domáca' and the cherry from the local orchard, they can withstand the drier summer better than the new varieties. Have you tried any resistant apricot varieties at home?

Petra Kováčová

I agree, at Kolymbari it really goes hand in hand with faith, there one sees that nature is not just science. Here in Michalovce, we mainly try the old pear variety 'Líceň' in the garden, which can withstand a drier summer without much watering. And you, have you tried any particular variety of apricot that could survive here?

Lenka Nováková

I agree, in Kolymbari, faith and care for the earth really go hand in hand. In our garden in Michalovce, we are trying the same Líceň pear and it is holding up well, even though it hardly rained last summer. I haven't planted apricots yet, but I heard that the 'Velkopavlovická' variety could survive here - have you tried it yet?