Athens and L’Oréal Unite to Create City’s First ‘Micro Forest’

Photo source: Athens Municipality

The first “micro forest” in Athens was recently inaugurated by Mayor Haris Doukas, who has highlighted the city’s commitment to making use of every inch of available land to increase green spaces in the Greek capital.

The micro forest, part of the “L’Oréal for the Future” initiative by cosmetic company L’Oréal Hellas, is located on Elikonas Hill in the Ano Kypseli neighborhood. Since June, L’Oréal Hellas has supported the Municipality of Athens in planting around 5,000 trees and bushes and plans to continue this effort over the coming months.

According to Mayor Doukas, the long-term goal is to transform this space into a thriving forest within about ten years, simulating the characteristics of a 20- to 30-year-old bioreserve with over 10,000 plants and a diverse ecosystem.

L’Oreal Hellas Country Managing Director Alessandra Delfini and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. Photo source: Athens Municipality

“It is crucial to bring a breath of life to one of the most densely populated areas in Athens,” Doukas said at the inauguration ceremony for the Kypseli micro forest. He also reiterated his commitment to increasing green spaces across Athens in line with the “3-30-300” rule.

“This means that from any window, you should see three trees, neighborhoods should offer 30 percent shade coverage, and within 300 meters of every home, there should be a park,” Doukas explained.

Speaking at the event, L’Oréal Hellas Country Managing Director Alessandra Delfini expressed her satisfaction with the partnership with the Municipality of Athens.

“This collaboration demonstrates how, collectively, we can bring the benefits of biodiversity to the city and its residents,” she said, adding that the company remains dedicated to the principles of its L’Oréal for the Future program, aiming to promote sustainable practices through business solutions.

Photo source: Athens Municipality

Several officials and local residents attended the inauguration ceremony. According to the municipality, the micro forest will feature tree species native to the Attica region, including olive trees, cypress trees, pines, locust trees, and more.

It is estimated that the micro forest will improve the local microclimate by reducing temperatures in the Kypseli area by up to six degrees Celsius and absorbing up to 400 kilograms of CO2 annually, while also providing a habitat for local wildlife.