Evros flood protection projects near completion

The programme combines restoration works, flood protection measures, wildfire prevention actions and scientific monitoring, with the aim of strengthening the resilience of the area against the impacts of the climate crisis.

The progress of the interventions was assessed during a three-day on-site inspection carried out by a delegation of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN) from 5 to 7 July, led by Evangelos Gkountoufas, Director General of Forests and the Forest Environment. The inspection involved representatives from the Forest Services, the central administration of YPEN, and the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (Superfund).

Of the total programme budget, more than €61 million is being allocated to restoration projects addressing the damage caused by the wildfire. Anti-erosion works, with a budget exceeding €10 million, have already been completed, helping to reduce soil erosion in burned areas and creating the necessary conditions for the natural regeneration of the forest.

At the same time, flood protection projects, with a total budget of €48.7 million, are in the final stage of implementation. These interventions aim to protect settlements, critical infrastructure and agricultural areas, while also stabilising drainage basins and restoring hydrological balance.

A separate component of the programme is the “Antinero” prevention initiative, through which projects worth €25 million are being implemented. The works include forest vegetation management, the creation and maintenance of firebreak zones, and the upgrading of the forest road network, with the objective of improving access for firefighting forces and reducing the risk of wildfire outbreaks and their spread.

In terms of ecological restoration, the competent authorities are systematically monitoring the natural regeneration of the forest, while targeted reforestation measures are being implemented in areas where natural recovery is insufficient. In cooperation with WWF Greece and the Thrace Biodiversity Conservation Society, the planting of 54,172 forest seedlings has been completed across an area of 1,146 hectares within the Dadias-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park.

According to the data presented during the inspection, the biodiversity outlook is particularly encouraging, with the population of the region’s emblematic birds of prey showing full recovery. At the same time, the new Birds of Prey Observatory at Dadia National Park has become operational, strengthening both scientific research and the prospects for ecotourism development in the area.

The Evros programme represents one of the largest public investments in Greece aimed at restoring natural ecosystems and preventing natural disasters. It highlights the importance of integrated funding approaches that combine civil protection projects, environmental management initiatives and sustainable regional development.