The total budget of the project amounts to 1.310 million euros
The Ministry of Environment and Energy and the General Secretariat of Forests have proceeded with an act of appointment of a restoration contractor, by which they appoint the National Bank of Greece as the contractor for the restoration of burnt areas on the island of Chios, after the devastating fires of the summer.
More specifically, the project concerns the financing of the implementation of critical anti-erosion projects and the first flood control measures in the areas of the island that were burned by the fires of June 22 and August 12.
The total budget of the project amounts to 1.310 million euros (excluding VAT), according to the relevant study prepared by the competent Forest Service in record time, while its completion horizon is set at 4 months after the start of the works. According to the same decision, in no case can this period exceed 6 months.
The relevant decision is signed by the Deputy Head of the General Directorate of Forests & Forest Environment, Mr. Evangelos Gountoufas.
The Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, stated in this regard: “The prevention and immediate restoration of areas affected by forest fires is our central priority. The institution of the contractor has contributed greatly to this effort, combining corporate social responsibility with the state obligation to respond to the challenges intensified by the climate crisis. In Chios, where the natural environment has been greatly damaged, the support of the National Bank will be utilized in order to complete the anti-erosion and the first anti-flood projects quickly and effectively, by certified forest workers of the Forestry Cooperatives. Warm thanks to both the contractor and the Forest Service for their important work.
The Secretary General of Forests, Mr. Stathis Stathopoulos, stated for his part: “By order of the Minister of Environment, Mr. Stavros Papastavros, from the first meeting held under the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, there was to be not a single day lost in the battle for the restoration of the natural environment of Chios, which, unfortunately, was affected by major fires this summer. The preparation and approval of the necessary studies by the local Forest Service proceeded in record time. With the National Bank as the restoration contractor, which we thank, anti-erosion and anti-flood projects amounting to 1.3 million euros are proceeding immediately to protect the settlements of the island. We will proceed even faster in the next steps for the natural environment of Chios.”
The New Democracy MP for Chios, Mr. Notis Mitarakis, stated: “With a comprehensive plan, we are proceeding with the restoration of the special natural environment of our island, aiming to restore the ecosystem of the affected areas and to support residents and businesses. Thanks to the actions of the Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Stavros Papastavros, and the CEO of the National Bank of Greece, Mr. Pavlos Mylonas – whom I wholeheartedly thank -, restoration and protection projects are progressing immediately. We are continuing with projects.”
