Greenpeace Slams Greek Government’s Thessaly Reconstruction Plan

Photo source: Giorgos Moutafis © Greenpeace

Greenpeace Greece is once again criticizing the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a year after the catastrophic storms “Daniel” and “Elias” caused widespread flooding in the Thessaly region of central Greece. The storms severely impacted agriculture, livestock, housing, and resulted in human fatalities.

The criticism is directed at the “Strategic Plan for the Reconstruction of Thessaly,” presented by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on September 2. Greenpeace has taken issue with the plan’s focus on large-scale construction projects, including dams and water infrastructure. Describing these projects as “pharaonic,” Greenpeace has labeled them “obsolete, dangerous, and demagogically misleading,” specifically criticizing the controversial diversion of the Acheloos River, which they argue would have exacerbated the flooding if completed.

Calls for Sustainable Solutions

Photo source: Giorgos Moutafis © Greenpeace

Greenpeace advocates for “urgent, modern solutions that work with natural processes to restore and manage damaged ecosystems.” They argue that what is needed is:

a) A comprehensive agricultural policy to regenerate and protect Thessaly’s production, using a sustainable model that addresses the climate crisis.

b) Immediate political measures to support farmers and processors to maintain the region’s productive capacity and prevent farmland abandonment.

“Twelve months after the disaster, we’re still hearing the same failed recipes that lead only to more climate catastrophe,” said Elena Danali, Greenpeace’s sustainable agriculture campaign lead in Greece.

Greenpeace Demands Data and Sustainable Policies

Greenpeace has requested detailed records of the damage to soil, plant, and animal production in Thessaly. They also demand the release of results from chemical and microbiological analyses of the region’s soil and water, including tests conducted after the recent incident of dead fish in Pagasitikos Gulf, near Volos.

Greenpeace’s proposals include:

• On-site inspections, recording, and publication of findings.
• Soil and water analyses for each producer.
• Support for planting legumes and adding organic matter to restore soil fertility.
• A ban on mass pesticide use to protect the water table and beneficial organisms.
• Support for honey production.
• A total overhaul of the animal husbandry model.
• Prioritizing food production for human consumption.
• Ensuring cooperation, participation, and transparency.
• Safeguarding natural water flow and limiting water wastage.
• Promoting food sufficiency.