Greece has unveiled a comprehensive National Strategy to protect its cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change, setting long-term goals through 2050 with five-year benchmarks. The initiative focuses on archaeological sites, monuments, and preventive measures, combining modern science, digital tools, and international cooperation.

The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, presented the strategy at the Acropolis Museum. Originally, the Prime Minister was scheduled to speak, but the appearance was canceled due to diplomatic engagements in Cyprus and the conflict in Iran.

Funded with €22 million from the Recovery and Resilience Fund, the project titled “Protection of Iconic Sites and Cultural Heritage Monuments from Climate Change” marks a key step in strengthening the resilience of Greece’s heritage. The strategy was developed by the Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the National Research Foundation, working closely with the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection and the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

Key elements of the strategy include:

  • Climate risk assessment across the country, considering exposure, vulnerability, and hazard levels.
  • Preventive infrastructure projects, including fire protection, flood control, and landslide mitigation at vulnerable archaeological sites.
  • Digital tools and platforms for evaluating risks and selecting tailored adaptation plans.
  • Monitoring and evaluation systems aligned with international indicators set at COP30 (2025) in Belém, Brazil.
  • Training programs for Ministry of Culture staff on climate adaptation measures.
  • International collaboration with the UN, UNESCO, and EU initiatives to integrate cultural heritage into global climate action.

Pilot adaptation plans have already been applied to 19 archaeological sites at medium or high climate risk, including Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Knossos, and Delos. These plans address five major climate threats: wildfires, floods, drought, extreme heat, and rising sea levels.

On-the-ground measures include:

  • Flood mitigation projects in Dion and Malia.
monuments greece climate

Flood protection measures in Malia@ΥΠΠΟ

  • Fire prevention systems in Philippi and Mystras.
  • Interventions to prevent landslides and rockfalls in Delphi.
monuments greece climate

“Firefighting systems, Mystras @ΥΠΠΟ”

monuments greece climate

Readiness drill at Mystras. @ΥΠΠΟ

Minister Mendoni emphasized that the strategy provides a cohesive framework for all relevant authorities, linking heritage management with climate resilience. She added that the strategy will serve as a dynamic planning tool, adaptable to evolving scientific data, updated climate projections, and changing conservation needs.