ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ ΥΠΟΥΡΓΕΙΟ ΕΘΝΙΚΗΣ ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑΣ & ΘΡΗΣΚΕΥΜΑΤΩΝ Περιφερειακή Διεύθυνση Εκπαίδευσης Θεσσαλίας Γραφείο Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης Καρδίτσας Γυμνάσιο – Τάξεις Λυκείου Ματαράγκας Ματαράγκα Καρδίτσας Τηλ. - Fax : & ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ

'SUN, WIND, HYDRO: THE FUTURE OF MANKIND' CY1-COM Greece and the Environment Greece and the Environment

Environmental Policy

Responsibility for environmental matters on the national level lies with the Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works. Greece has adopted an environmentally friendly policy applied in all sectors through national legislation, adoption of European environmental laws, and participation in international agreements concerning the protection of the environment. However, less progress has been achieved regarding energy taxation and more has to be done in order to “get prices work for the environment”.

A strong tradition of environmental NGOs

Conservation and management of the environment depend on the activity of non-governmental organisations that focus on environmental issues. Most of the Greek organisations undertake actions, which are limited in number and scope and for the most part involve issues of local importance, perhaps focusing on the protection of a specific species of plant or animal. Some NGOs represent the Greek branches of organisations active in many countries; others are purely Greek in origin.

A strong tradition of environmental NGOs

Environmental NGOs are also very important for public involvement in the collection of environmental information, and in the evaluation of the need for information, which can significantly increase the likelihood of correct decisions being made.

Management and protection of bio-diversity

In Greece 5,500 species of flora and 900 species of fauna have been recognised. Many of them are rare and endemic. There are also many protected areas, a significant number of which is of international interest, and Greece has been committed to their protection through international conventions. Inductively there are 10 National parks, 11Wetlands of international interest, 51 preserved natural monuments, 300 bio-topes, 113 important areas for the birds of Europe etc. There are also 265 areas which have been proposed for the Natura 2000 network.

Management and protection of bio-diversity

The main problems for Greek ecosystems which are of great value are caused by intensive human activities (tourism, mining, agriculture, animal grazing etc.) which result in the degradation of bio- topes and the diminution of flora’s and fauna’s population. Since the Earth Summit in 1992, Greece has been implementing a comprehensive policy towards sustainable development. The main aim of actions taken on the management and protection of bio- diversity is to provide the knowledge and the facilities for monitoring, protecting and managing the flora and fauna species.

Management and protection of bio-diversity

A major problem for Greek forest ecosystems is that of forest fires. The lack of a forest cadastre encourages the process of illegal settling and building on the areas of forest which have been burnt. A huge effort has been launched quite recently with the cadastral survey of the country. According to the Greek Constitution the reforestation of the burnt forests and forest areas is obligatory while any change in the forest land use is prohibited. The completion of the forest cadastre is expected to protect forest land from illegal grape.

Management and protection of bio-diversity

The forest Services have been provided with the necessary infrastructure, but there is still lack of adequate trained staff and laxity in the observance of the law.The Local Authorities and particularly the Central Union of Local Authorities of Greece in order to address this problem have also undertaken many actions, such as organizing groups of voluntary firemen and local civilians that proved to be very efficient.

Management and protection of bio-diversity

Desertification in Greece is a gradually emerging danger. This is a result of the country’s geological, topographical and climatic characteristics, which cause soil erosion, often leading to the final and almost total loss of productivity, as well as the drastic reduction of water resources.

Coastal zones-Marine environment

Greece gives high priority to the protection of the marine environment and the sustainable development of coastal areas and islands. The country’s coastline of 15,021 km is the most extensive among all Mediterranean countries. This coastline is evenly distributed between the continental part of the country and the Greek islands, which number approximately 3,000. The coastal area contains diverse and productive ecosystems that house many rare species in need of protection (e.g. sea turtle Caretta - caretta, monk seal Monachus - monachus etc.).

Coastal zones-Marine environment

The high coastal concentration of population and economic activities generates pressure to coastal areas. Non-built up and natural conservation areas have decreased and the coastal landscape has been altered in the recent years. At the same time pollution problems have emerged in enclosed seas and bays.

Coastal zones-Marine environment

Therefore, actions have been taken aiming at the development of the necessary infrastructure for oil spill treatment and reception facilities for oil and chemical residues from ships. Cleaning and restoration projects have been carried out as well. The Greek Ministry for the Environment has established an integrated network for monitoring the quality of sea water.

Coastal zones-Marine environment

Greece gives special importance to, and is involved in the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), which operates in the framework of Barcelona Convention. UNEP’s programme MAP concerns the protection of the Mediterranean basin from pollution coming from land based activities Consequently, a great number of bathing beaches has been awarded the EU Blue Flag.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

One of the major environmental problems of Greece was, until recently, the lack of management (collection, treatment, disposal) of solid and toxic wastes. Therefore in many-uncontrolled waste disposal areas there are odours, pollution of surface and underground waters, air and soil pollution, fire danger and aesthetic pollution.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

On the national level, technical specifications for the safe handling of waste are being determined. A system of permits was introduced for the collection and transport of solid waste. Legislation has been issued aimed at reducing air pollution from waste incineration plants. Threshold limits have been established for heavy metals in sewage sludge used in agriculture. Activities were initiated to promote waste prevention and recycling. Recycling programmes are being implemented for paper, glass and aluminium. Programmes are being introduced for the reduction of weight and volume of packaging material.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Awareness campaigns are being carried out. Responsibilities for waste management have been delegated to local authorities. The management of liquid waste is focused on the treatment of liquid waste at the national scale with the construction of waste treatment facilities in settlement larger than 15,000 inhabitants. National legislation provides for planning of the management of toxic and dangerous waste, procedures for the transport of dangerous waste, special permits for the disposal and storage of dangerous waste and measures for building facilities for toxic residues at ports.

Atmospheric pollution

Atmospheric pollution has been facing Greece for the last 30 years and is related to urbanism and economic development. The region of Attica faces the most significant problems due to the climatic features, heavy traffic and unfavourable topography for the dispersion of atmospheric pollution. Measures for the solution of the problem are targeting at the reduction of SO2 and Pb high emission rates. The measures that have been taken for the reduction of SO2 included the prohibition of crude oil utilisation to central heating and continuous reduction of S content into crude oil and diesel.

Atmospheric pollution

As far as Pb is concerned air pollution has been reduced due to the use of unleaded gasoline. Environmental Services have taken a series of measures concerning central heating, improvement of fuel quality, replenishment of old cars and traffic improvements (e.g. construction of the metro in Athens and Salonica) etc.

Atmospheric pollution

The noise zones in Greece are the urban areas and mainly Athens which accommodates 40%of the Greek population, 35% of industrial and handicraft activities and 70% of Public Services. Other noise zones are the main arterial roads, industries, ports, airports, tourist resorts and construction sites. The noise zones in Greece are the urban areas and mainly Athens which accommodates 40%of the Greek population, 35% of industrial and handicraft activities and 70% of Public Services. Other noise zones are the main arterial roads, industries, ports, airports, tourist resorts and construction sites. The Greek government has elaborated a National Action Programme for Climate Change, joining the global effort to protect our planet. The Greek government has elaborated a National Action Programme for Climate Change, joining the global effort to protect our planet.

Atmospheric pollution

The program consists of: the introduction of Natural Gas in the national energy and renewable energy sources exploitation) energy conservation in the domestic, commercial and public sectors, technological interventions in industry and transports.

Water resources

Uneven distribution of activities in the country has resulted in water demands which often can not be covered by local water resources and therefore rational water resources management on a national level is a high priority in Greece. Besides, urban, industrial and agricultural liquid waste is responsible for the pollution of fresh waters in Greece.. Management of the quality and quantity of the water in lakes and river Deltas, where there are important bio-topes, is of utmost significance.

Water resources

In Greece, irrigation is of paramount importance for agricultural productivity. It accounts for over 80% of total water abstractions. The major Greek rivers (Axios, Strymon, Nestos, Evros) have their springs in other countries while two of the main lakes (Doirani and Prespes) are international. For the above reasons, co-operation with the neighbouring countries for the management of fresh waters is essential for Greece.

Land and urban planning / aesthetic pollution Inadequate land and urban planning during has resulted in the gradual degradation of the natural and urban environment in many areas of the country. Inadequate land and urban planning during has resulted in the gradual degradation of the natural and urban environment in many areas of the country. The National Action Plan for Cities and Housing has two main objectives: the creation of cities which provide safe, healthy, equal and sustainable living conditions and the guarantee of adequate housing for all. The National Action Plan for Cities and Housing has two main objectives: the creation of cities which provide safe, healthy, equal and sustainable living conditions and the guarantee of adequate housing for all.

In Greece, irrigation is of paramount importance for agricultural productivity. It accounts for over 80% of total water abstractions. The major Greek rivers (Axios, Strymon, Nestos, Evros) have their springs in other countries while two of the main lakes (Doirani and Prespes) are international. For the above reasons, co-operation with the neighbouring countries for the management of fresh waters is essential for Greece.

Land and urban planning / aesthetic pollution

National actions taken with regard to human settlement development are: emphasis on the development of urban plans for real estate located in ecologically sensitive areas, coastal zones and islands. protection of historical and traditional sites aiming at the improvement of urban conditions in selected Greek cities, traditional settlements and tourist sites, in order to improve living standards and working conditions. National actions taken with regard to human settlement development are: emphasis on the development of urban plans for real estate located in ecologically sensitive areas, coastal zones and islands. protection of historical and traditional sites aiming at the improvement of urban conditions in selected Greek cities, traditional settlements and tourist sites, in order to improve living standards and working conditions.

Environmental education

The Ministry of Education aims at the reorientation of education towards sustainable development. In this context, it has established Environmental Education Centres (E.E.C.), where students participate in special Environmental Education programmes. The E.E.C. also organise special Environmental Education training programmes for employees, local communities, organisations, teachers etc.

Environmental education

A systematic co-operation has been established on special pedagogical Environmental Education pilot projects, with major Environmental groups such as WWF, the Goulandri Museum of Natural History, Greenpeace, etc. Two Greek Ministries and the USA have signed an intergovernmental Co-operation Agreement for the global network GLOBE that concerns the creation of environmental stations in schools.

Official Source Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning & Public Works ( Creation: PAPAKITSOU ELINA Music: Dj krush Feat, Kazufumi kodama – “Day’s End”