A Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) was signed by the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannis, and the Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, approving the National Forest Fire Risk Assessment Map.
The Map, an initiative of the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, constitutes a critical tool for designing a long-term strategy for a more rational allocation of fire protection projects.
Today, 45 years after the initial designation of Greek regions based on the forest fire risk they face, conditions have drastically changed. With the new Map, the Municipalities of the country are classified into three categories: low, medium, and high risk, depending on the type of vegetation, climatic conditions, and the frequency of values 3, 4, and 5 on the daily Fire Risk Forecast Map of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection over the past 20 years.
The Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannis, stated: “The approval of the National Forest Fire Risk Assessment Map represents another significant reform in the new approach to Civil Protection that we are promoting: a Civil Protection that is not limited to intervention, but invests in prevention and in knowledge of the risk with the highest possible accuracy.
For the first time in four decades, the country gains a modern, scientifically substantiated tool that reflects the real conditions of the climate crisis and allows us to plan in a targeted manner, with transparency and measurable results. Through this intervention, we provide the Municipalities of the country with a strong and objective framework for the rational prioritization of fire protection projects, so that the necessary resources are directed where the risk is greatest. This is a step that strengthens our collective resilience and brings us closer to a Greece better prepared for the fires of the future.”
On his part, the Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, stated: “We are implementing a historic step for the protection of our forest ecosystems, our natural wealth, and local communities. We officially approve, after nearly five decades, a comprehensive National Forest Fire Risk Assessment Map – an essential tool that reflects expertise, new scientific data, and the reality of the climate crisis.
The Map is implemented following the initiative of the Ministry for Civil Protection and Climate Crisis, with the active participation of the Forestry Service of the Ministry of Environment and Energy. We now have a common, clear, substantiated basis, with a rational risk analysis by geographical zone, allowing us to strengthen prevention, optimize our planning, protect our forests, settlements, and infrastructure, while simultaneously informing citizens and local government about the level of fire risk in each area. Together, we safeguard the future of our forests, protect the lives and properties of citizens, and support the resilience of our Country in the face of new challenges.”
