Planning is proceeding rapidly for the protection and restoration of the areas in Western Attica that were affected by the fire on July 31, 2026.
As announced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the mapping of the burned areas was completed within a few days, and a decision was issued designating Piraeus Bank as the Restoration Contractor for the areas under the jurisdiction of the Aegaleo Forestry Office.
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The decision concerns the funding for the preparation of the required study and the immediate implementation of the necessary erosion control and initial flood protection projects, with a total budget of 1.5 million euros, excluding VAT.
According to the Ministry, once these specific steps are completed, the planning will move into the implementation phase, following the decisions of the Interministerial Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the plan presented on August 6 by Minister of Environment and Energy StavrosPapastavrou, Secretary General of Forests Stathis Stathopoulos, and Director General of Forests and the Forest Environment at the Ministry of Environment and Energy Evangelos Gkountoufas.
Specifically, the Forest Maps Department of the General Directorate of Forests and Forest Environment at the Ministry of Environment and Energy completed the full set of cartographic materials, including the necessary geospatial data, yesterday. At the same time, the relevant fire severity maps were published, using three different approaches to ensure that the results are comparable. Using this information, in combination with data from on-site inspections, a study is already underway to determine the necessary erosion control and initial flood control projects.
As has been announced, the interventions will focus on critical locations to be identified by the study, with the aim of stabilizing the soil and sediment and reducing the risk of flooding in the affected and downstream areas. Erosion control and initial flood protection works will begin before September 15, so that the initial necessary interventions are underway before the start of the heavy rainfall season, with the goal of completing them by the end of the year. These include log dams, log barriers, brush fences, and timber walls where needed.
The on-site technical implementation of the projects will be carried out by specialized contractors designated by Piraeus Bank, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Forests and Forest Environment, in accordance with the approved study and the principles of forestry science, and under the supervision and ongoing guidance of the competent Forestry Service.
The Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, stated: “On August 6, we committed to proceeding without delay with the immediate restoration of the damaged natural environment of Western Attica. One week later, that commitment is becoming a reality. The mapping has been completed, the Restoration Contractor has been appointed, the study is already underway, and the projects will begin before September 15. We warmly thank Piraeus Bank for its prompt response and its steadfast contribution to the protection and restoration of forest ecosystems.
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Following its substantial assistance in Feneos, Corinth, Penteli, and Parnitha, the bank is once again responding immediately, this time in Western Attica. Taking this initiative is concrete proof that cooperation between the government and the private sector can yield immediate and tangible results for the protection of our natural resources. We are moving forward with a plan, speed, and efficiency so that the wounds can heal as quickly as possible and Western Attica can be fortified for the future.”
The institution of the Restoration and Reforestation Contractor was established in 2021 and allows for direct cooperation between the State and private entities to finance and rapidly implement projects for the protectionand restoration projects in affected forested areas.
SOURCE: APE
