Μake us preferred on Google Plans to protect and restore areas of Western Attica affected by the July 31, 2026, wildfire are moving forward, with the first erosion-control and flood-prevention projects expected to begin before Sept. 15.
The mapping of the burned areas has been completed, while a decision has been issued appointing Piraeus Bank as the Restoration Contractor for areas under the jurisdiction of the Aigaleo Forestry Office.
The decision provides funding for the required study and the immediate implementation of necessary erosion-control and initial flood-prevention projects, with a total budget of €1.5 million, excluding VAT.
The move follows decisions taken at an interministerial meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and a plan presented Aug. 6 by Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, Secretary-General for Forests Stathis Stathopoulos and Evangelos Gkountoufas, director-general for Forests and the Forest Environment at the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Study underway for flood and erosion protection
The Forestry Maps Department of the ministry’s General Directorate for Forests and the Forest Environment completed the full mapping material and the necessary geospatial data.
Burn-severity maps were also produced using three different approaches so that the results could be compared.
The data, together with information collected during on-site inspections, are now being used to prepare a study identifying the erosion-control and initial flood-prevention measures required in the affected areas.
The interventions will focus on critical locations identified by the study, with the aim of stabilizing soil and debris and reducing the risk of flooding in affected areas and areas downstream.
First projects expected before Sept. 15
The erosion-control and initial flood-prevention projects are scheduled to begin before Sept. 15 so that the first necessary measures are in place before the start of the period of heavy rainfall. The projects are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Planned measures include log barriers, log dams, branch fencing and wooden retaining structures where necessary.
Specialized contractors appointed by Piraeus Bank will carry out the work in cooperation with the General Directorate for Forests and the Forest Environment. The projects will follow the approved study and forestry rules and will be carried out under the supervision and continuous guidance of the relevant Forestry Service.
Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou said the government had committed on Aug. 6 to moving ahead without delay with the restoration of Western Attica’s damaged natural environment.
“One week later, this commitment is becoming a reality,” Papastavrou said, noting that the mapping had been completed, the Restoration Contractor appointed, the study was already underway and the projects would begin before Sept. 15.
He thanked Piraeus Bank for its immediate response and continued contribution to protecting and restoring forest ecosystems, citing its previous involvement in Feneos in Corinthia, Penteli and Parnitha.
Papastavrou said the initiative demonstrated that cooperation between the state and private sector could produce “immediate and substantial results” in protecting the country’s natural resources.
“We are moving forward with a plan, speed and effectiveness, so that the wounds can heal as quickly as possible and Western Attica can be safeguarded for the future,” he said.
The Restoration and Reforestation Contractor program was established in 2021 and allows the state to work directly with private organizations to finance and rapidly implement protection and restoration projects in affected forest areas.
