Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis on Tuesday presented the Anti-nero Forest Protection Plan at the Zappion Megaron in central Athens, announcing an overall programme of prevention, protection and management for the country’s forests. The minister spoke of a “comprehensive reform for forests,” as well as extensive fire-protection and anti-flooding protection projects in parts of Thessaly, while saying that similar projects are to be implemented in Attica.
In the context of the event, Skylakakis and Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) Executive Director Panagiotis Stampoulidis signed two contracts concerning forest management studies and mountain hydronomy projects.
On his part, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias underlined that Anti-nero constitutes the best-planned and implemented effort for the protection, including through prevention, of the country’s forest assets.
In addition, as Skylakakis announced, the new forest management studies allow private individuals to manage forest biomass – which also acts as a fuel when forest fires break out – so that the forest is permanently protected. As he said, the goal is for all the forests to be managed and protected, while about 15 million euros are available through HRADF, to promote the necessary projects.
The aim is to gradually make a transition from prevention using public funds to prevention and management with private funds as well, as the forest itself will provide the resources for the active management of the forest, said Skylakakis.
“The policy we are bringing changes the philosophy of the forest, as we are moving from the economy of the forest to a policy of forest protection,” he said, adding that this is a very large reform combined with the strengthening of the forestry service.
