“Divert people to the provinces, not water to Athens” | A conversation with the Mayor of Karpenisi, Christos Kakavas

Meeting the Mayor of Karpenisi, Christos Kakavas, one quickly realizes that any discussion about Evrytania goes far beyond snowy landscapes and idyllic weekend scenery. Behind the tourism fa?ade lies a deep concern for the region’s survival, its demographic decline, and a firm stance against central plans for water resource management.

The “red line” on water

Starting with the burning issue of recent days—the plans to divert the Karpenisiotis and Krikeliotis rivers—Mr. Kakavas was categorical. While acknowledging Athens’ need for water, he stressed that the region cannot be treated as a simple reservoir. He called for holistic planning—similar to practices in advanced countries—emphasizing water reuse and desalination before interfering with mountain ecosystems.

His message was clear and political: “We are not unreasonable. We understand the need, since half the population lives in Athens—our own people, too. But we must focus on diverting people to the provinces rather than diverting water to Attica.”

The Mayor stressed the importance of safeguarding environmental achievements, noting that “mountain regions should not be remembered only when needed, nor treated as warehouses of natural resources.”

The demographic “thorn”

The firm stance on water is directly connected to the stark reality the region faces once visitors leave. Mr. Kakavas presented striking data: a 13% population decline over the past decade, the oldest population in Greece (and the third oldest in the EU), and the lowest per capita GDP.

Describing everyday life, the Mayor used a phrase that captures the truth of rural Greece:

“From Monday to Friday, we hurt,” he said, explaining that despite tourism activity, the region urgently needs substantial state support to avoid depopulation.

Tourism: the 365-day compass

Turning to the antidote to the crisis, Mr. Kakavas highlighted Karpenisi’s strategic advantage: year-round tourism. He referred to religious tourism, with 300,000 visitors to the Proussos Monastery, as well as the growing dynamic of sports tourism. As he noted, the area hosted three Super League teams for training this year, collaborates with SEGAS, and even organizes the world championship of Belgian shepherd dogs.

“Tourism is the compass for development,” he emphasized, adding that promotional efforts are being made using innovative methods. He also announced that the Cycling Tour of Greece will once again pass through the region after 2024.

The challenge of the Ski Centre and the “ghost building”

Particular emphasis was placed on the Ski Centre, which is set to undergo major transformation thanks to 10 million euros from the Recovery Fund. The goal, according to the Mayor, is year-round operation, with summer skiing on a special surface, renovation of the chalet, and the creation of accommodations. Regarding concerns about tender procedures, Mr. Kakavas appeared reassuring, estimating that outstanding issues have been resolved and the project is moving forward.

Finally, when asked about the “ghost building” in the city centre, the Mayor explained that it has now become property of the Region, with three objectives: creating offices to save resources, building shops to generate revenue, and constructing an underground parking facility—providing a solution to a long-standing urban problem.