Υπ. Environment: Prevention and protection of the environment in focus for 2022

Prevention and adaptation to the consequences of climate change, as well as overall rehabilitation, sustainable management and environmental protection are at the core of RIS policies for the coming year.

As it has already become known, the clearings and the firefighting works of the forests are proceeding immediately with the financing of 50 million euros from the Recovery Fund in order to strengthen the fire protection. As the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, George Amyras, states in APE-MPE: “” Prevention and sustainable management are the key and that is why we work closely with all relevant ministries, in order to effectively protect nature, ecosystems and the species they host. “Every effort to preserve and protect biodiversity is a small victory over the climate crisis.”

National Reforestation Plan

Regarding the shielding against the climate crisis, the National Reforestation Plan is in progress for the restoration of 200,000 acres in many degraded forest ecosystems in Greece by planting 20 million trees, local Greek varieties of slow burning trees. This is a project worth 200 million euros and envisages pilot reforestation in Parnitha, Perama, Rodopi and Kozani and is estimated to be completed by 2025.

Rehabilitation of Forest Areas

At the same time, the restoration of burned forest areas is in progress, while the institution of the Contractor for Restoration and Reforestation of areas, which were destroyed by fire and have been declared reforestable, gives impetus to the efforts. (Funds the elaboration of the study and the implementation of the projects). According to RIS, all anti-corrosion works in northern Evia have already been completed in record time and now the flood defenses are being implemented.

Forest Maps

The posting of the Forest Maps in the whole of the Greek territory has been completed, with the exception of the areas that concern city plans and settlements as well as others that are pending subject to urban planning provisions. In fact, the unanimous opinion of the Technical Council of Forests was accepted, according to which: areas that in the past had an agricultural character, in which due to abandonment asphalt and phryganic vegetation developed, do not lose their rural character.

Olympus

The Presidential Decree was issued declaring the mythical mountain of Olympus a National Park. The protection zones, land uses and permitted activities have been identified. At the same time, the necessary steps are being taken with the establishment of a tripartite Committee of the Ministry of Culture, RIS and OFYPEKA for the control of the candidacy file for the inclusion of the wider area of ​​Olympus in the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

ΟΦΥΠΕΚΑ

The establishment of the Organization for Natural Environment and Climate Change has been completed, which will exercise the management of the protected areas of the country and will implement actions for the conservation of biodiversity and the response to climate change. The first 7 Protected Areas Management Bodies have been integrated in the Organization.

Special Environmental Studies

The Special Environmental Studies for the regions of eastern Crete, eastern Macedonia and the southern Peloponnese are under consultation. The project aims to provide a clear framework for the demarcation and institutionalization of classified protection zones in the 446 “Natura 2000” areas. At the same time, it will set conditions and restrictions on land uses and the exercise of activities with multiple benefits both in terms of the protection of the natural environment and the development of the country.

National strategy for biodiversity

Digital Red Book will record and evaluate the conservation status of more than 10,000 animals and the total of 7,000 plants that are found from end to end in Greece.

Wildlife protection initiatives

– Control of the illegal use of poisoned baits to reduce the mortality of important birds.

Implementation of action plans for the protection of brown bears, Mediterranean seals, dolphins and other species.

Construction of special passages to prevent the killing of animals by passing vehicles.

– Measures to reduce mortality of bird species by insulating pylons and placing markings on the energy transmission network within Natura 2000 areas.

Creation of a network of feeding areas for birds of prey.

Address the causes of the declining bee population.

Geoparks

For the first time, the Ministry of Environment and Energy together with OFYPEKA undertake the protection and financial support of the six recognized Greek UNESCO World Geoparks, the promotion of their actions and the utilization of financial tools, in order to meet the obligations arising from the international recognition of Geoparks.

These areas are of Vikos – Aoos with part of the National Park of North Pindos, the unique alpine landscapes of Tymfi and Smolikas, the large number of karst and tectonic structures, the Towers of Astraka, the impressive gorges of Vikos and Aoos with unique geoarchaeological value and the exceptional traditional architecture with many traditional settlements.

The Island of Lesvos, where the Petrified Forest is located. The area of ​​Psiloritis in Crete. The area of ​​the Helmos-Vouraikos National Park, an important example of the active tectonic uplift of the northern Peloponnese, with the creation of the Vouraikos gorge, the cobblestone formations of the Great Cave, the Cave of the Lakes and the springs of Stygos.

The area of ​​Sitia, with its impressive palaces, caves and gorges, which document the recent rise of Crete and the great palaeontological findings of Dinosaurs and Pleistocene mammals. And finally the unique natural beauty and environmental value of Kozani-Grevena Geopark.

Ecotourism

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Ministry of Tourism, diANEOsis and the Organization for Natural Environment and Climate Change for the formulation of the National Strategic Plan for the Organization and Development of Tourism in the Natura 2000 Network areas. highlighting them. In fact, the Recovery Fund includes the creation of a national network with hiking trails and routes throughout the country, the restoration of terraces (dry stones), the creation and upgrade of museums for the natural history of Greece, the digitization of collections, as well as the creation of a national system. monitoring of species, habitats and protected areas, with a total budget of EUR 100 million.

Wildlife Hospital

Finally, the creation of the first hospital for wild animals in Rapentosa, Penteli, Attica, is underway, with the assistance of NGOs that have been working in the field for years, and the prospect of creating two units in Thessaloniki and Dodoni is being examined.

Source: AMPE