Piraeus Bank funds flood-protection projects in Western Attica

Piraeus Bank, which has been appointed Restoration Contractor by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, has already begun implementing the interventions in cooperation with the relevant authorities. The objective is to complete the critical works before the onset of the period of heavy autumn and winter rainfall.

The project covers four areas with a total extent of 4,189 hectares, with interventions planned along 10 streams.

400 km of Log and Branch Barriers

Based on the approved study, approximately 400 kilometres of log and branch barriers will be constructed, along with nearly one square kilometre of wooden check dams. The interventions are primarily aimed at stabilising the soil in the affected areas and reducing the risks of erosion and flooding following the loss of forest vegetation.

On Tuesday, September 15, Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou visited the areas where the projects are being implemented to inspect progress, accompanied by officials from the General Secretariat of Forests and the General Directorate of Forests and the Forest Environment.

Representing Piraeus Bank was Haris Margaritis, Senior General Manager and Group Chief Operating Officer.

Cooperation with the State

Mr Papastavrou said that the anti-erosion and flood-protection projects in Western Attica have now moved from the planning stage to implementation, stressing that the interventions cover more than 4,000 hectares and 10 streams.

He noted that four forestry cooperatives are currently working on the ground, with the primary objective of stabilising the soil and protecting residents, property and the natural environment.

For his part, Mr Margaritis emphasised that Piraeus Bank had mobilised to prepare the required study and launch the projects, with a total budget of €2 million, in cooperation with the Ministry.

The initiative in Western Attica forms part of a broader series of similar actions by Piraeus Bank to restore areas affected by wildfires, following previous interventions in Parnitha, Penteli, Feneos and Stymphalia.