On the occasion of December 11, International Mountain Day, the Ministry of Environment and Energy announces the strengthening and expansion of the Untrodden Mountains program.
Specifically, according to the relevant Ministerial Decision, two new areas are added to this special protection status: the peak of Strongoula in the Athamanika Mountains and Mount Parnonas. At the same time, the same Ministerial Decision extends the additional terms and restrictions for the protection of Roadless Areas (RAs) in three mountains: Smolikas and Tymfi in the Northern Pindos National Park, and Chatzi in Thessaly.
To date, a total of 11 relevant Ministerial Decisions have been issued for untrodden mountains, some of which have already been regulated through approved Special Environmental Studies. RAs are land areas larger than 1 square kilometer and located more than 1 km from the nearest road, in which additional terms and restrictions apply and a specific roadless zone is delineated.
The Ministerial Decision for the untrodden mountains establishes a very high level of protection by prohibiting the construction of new infrastructure such as roads and wind turbines. It aims to halt land-use changeone of the main causes of biodiversity and forest loss globally and across Europeprevent the fragmentation of natural and forest ecosystems by roads and artificial surfaces, and preserve the habitat types and species of flora, wildlife, and birdlife found in each area.
International Mountain Day was established by the UN in 2003 to highlight the vital role of mountains as sources of water, food, energy, and biodiversity, and to promote their protection against threats such as climate change and deforestation.
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, made the following statement:
Mountains are a natural treasure of our homeland, and we have a duty to protect them. The Governments priority is to strengthen the resilience and sustainable prospects of local mountain communities, ensuring that development goes hand in hand with respect for our countrys unique natural environment and biodiversity. The Untrodden Mountains initiative is a model of environmental protection and social responsibility toward nature and future generations. By including new areas under this status and extending protection to existing ones, we raise awareness in local communities and safeguard mountain ecosystems. Our goal is for our mountains to remain alive, protected, and sustainable, continuing to be a source of water, life, knowledge, and natural beauty for the entire country.
