Greece Takes Action to Protect and Promote Thessaloniki’s Seikh Su Forest

(L-R) Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas; Interior Deputy Minister Stavros Kalafatis; Environment and Energy Deputy Minister Giorgos Amyras. Photo source: Environment and Energy Ministry.

Greek authorities have agreed on actions to safeguard and promote the Seikh Su and Chortiatis forests in Thessaloniki through a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) recently signed at the Greek Environment and Energy Ministry.

Signed by Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas, Deputy Minister Giorgos Amyras and Interior Deputy Minister Stavros Kalafatis, the memorandum aims to connect the two forests with Thessaloniki’s urban areas since both natural environments are considered ecosystems of unique importance.

The MoU sees a series of agreed actions that will protect and manage the two forests as part of the wider sustainable development of the region such as:

Thessaloniki view from the Seikh Su forest. Photo source: Visit Greece.

• The creation of special programs promoting forest sports, forest recreation, and environmental education.
• The implementation of a holistic forest management framework that will mitigate the effects of climate change on the forests and protect them against severe natural phenomena and disasters.
• A detailed mapping of both forests and launch of a biodiversity observatory in the area.
• The maintenance of the forests’ hiking and cycling paths network.

“Protecting the environment means to safeguard natural ecosystems against extreme natural phenomena but also improve people’s lives, support a forest’s unique characteristics and enhance its biodiversity,” said Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas.

The Seikh Su forest in Thessaloniki.

The minister noted that once all related interventions are complete, Thessaloniki will offer two “nature destinations” to all its residents and visitors.

During the meeting, Interior Deputy Minister responsible for Macedonia-Thrace issues, Stavros Kalafatis, expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and all agencies that participate in joint initiatives aiming to change the way Thessaloniki is perceived.

“Thessaloniki’s ‘green ring’ will improve its residents’ everyday life and offer a recreational escape for all,” added Kalafatis.