Greece Allocates Over €757m for Forest Protection and Reforestation Initiatives

Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis. Photo source: Energy Ministry

The Greek government has committed more than 757 million euros to a variety of projects aimed at forest protection, reforestation, anti-flooding infrastructure, firefighting studies, and mountainous water management. These initiatives, which are either already implemented or in progress, are part of broader efforts to safeguard Greece’s natural environment.

Speaking at an event on Tuesday to update the public on the progress of the Ministry of Environment and Energy’s “Forest Protection Plan”, Minister Theodoros Skylakakis emphasized the critical nature of these initiatives. Specifically, the Anti-Nero program, funded by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU initiative, is central to these efforts.

“As a Mediterranean country, Greece is particularly vulnerable to wildfires due to its climate and dry natural flora,” Skylakakis said. “The situation is further exacerbated by the climate crisis, creating favorable conditions for catastrophic mega-fires.”

The Anti-Nero program

Since its inception in 2022, the Anti-Nero program, launched within the framework of Greece’s National Recovery and Resilience Facility, has focused on preventive measures-efforts that had been neglected in Greek forests for many years. To date, the program has allocated approximately 392 million euros for various studies and projects.

The Project Preparation Facility (PPF) of the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) is overseeing the execution of the Anti-Nero program. Acting on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, specifically the General Directorate of Forests and Forest Environment, the PPF is responsible for implementing all necessary actions for the program’s success.

During the event, Giouli Vourna, who is overseeing the Anti-Nero project at HRADF, presented a range of ongoing initiatives, including:

• the removal of accumulated flammable materials from forests,
• the creation and maintenance of forest roads and fire protection zones,
• the construction of forest observation towers,
• and the development of an integrated biomass management program that includes timber and energy production.

HRADF Executive Director Panagiotis Stampoulidis and Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis. Photo source: Energy Ministry

Additionally, during the event, Minister Skylakakis announced two new agreements between the Ministry of Environment and HRADF, valued at 215 million euros, to fund studies and projects related to mountainous water management (AQUA MONTIS).

The two agreements were officially signed by Minister Skylakakis and HRADF Executive Director Panagiotis Stampoulidis.