Penteli: What is foreseen in the Greek Ministry of Environment’s reforestation study

The study for the standard restoration – reforestation of the forest lands that burned in July 2022 in the area of Kallithea Penteli was presented by the Deputy Minister of Environment, Giorgos Amyras and the Mayor of Penteli, Dimitra Kehagia, at an event held at the Penteli Municipal Store.

The study was drawn up under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Environment and financed with NSRF resources.

Measures provided for

The study foresees the complete reforestation of the approximately 950 hectares burned by the fire. It envisages the planting of over 200,000 trees, broad-leaved, slow-burning, trees that thrive on the Pentelic mountain in two zones. The first concerns the areas close to the urban fabric and the approximately 35 km of paths within the forest and the second the main part of the forest. In the first zone, the planting of trees and shrubs is planned, which highlight the seasonality of nature.

The model regeneration also provides for placing within the forest:

– Gazebo

– table tops

– benches

– two children’s entertainment areas

– viewing positions

– botanical garden for environmental education

– modern fire detection system

– modern water supply and fire extinguishing system

The standard restoration of the forest will be done with resources of the Recovery and Resilience Fund (TAA), through the National Reforestation Program, with a total budget of approximately 196 million euros.

Hydrological study for Mount Penteliko

At the same time, the hydrological study for Penteliko was presented. The study was prepared under the auspices of the Ministry of the Environment and contributes to the management of water for water supply, fire protection, recreation and the protection of the area from flooding.

Giorgos Amyras emphasized that the policy of the Ministry of Environment for the last 3.5 years is to create conditions so that citizens can visit the forests, enjoy them, be able to have fun in them and thus protect them. In the context of this policy, the exemplary restoration of the forest that burned in Penteli in the fire of 2022 is included. He also referred to the overall joint effort of the government and the Municipality of Penteli to protect the environment of Penteli and highlight its cultural monuments.

The Mayor of Penteli, Dimitra Kehagia, thanked the Ministry of Environment and the Government as a whole for the cooperation that the Municipality has on the issues of Pentelikos. He noted that the rehabilitation study was prepared in record time and fully agreed with the spirit of the study.