Environmental Policy and Interventions

As part of its mission to preserve Greece’s natural environment, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) undertakes environmental interventions to ensure effective and institutional protection of biodiversity and wildlife. These efforts address violations of Greek or European Union legislation and counteract activities harmful to the natural environment.

Highlights of HSPN’s Contributions over the Last 70 Years

Establishment of Protected Areas: the HSPN played a pivotal role in declaring areas such as the Samaria National Park, Prespa National Park, and Schinias–Marathon National Park as protected areas, and more recently, contributed to the institutional protection of Mount Kallidromo.
Promotion of important natural areas: Highlighted the importance of ecosystems like the Louros and Arachthos River Deltas in Amvrakikos Gulf, Aliki Kitrous in Pieria, Lake Kerkini, Rhodope Mountains, Lake Ismarida, and in recent years, Oiti Mountain, Kallidromo, and the Nestos River Delta.
RAMSAR Convention: the HSPN represented Greece in signing the RAMSAR Convention in 1971, a treaty for the protection of wetlands of international importance.
Combatting Poison Baits: Since 1979, the HSPN has emphasized the grave danger posed to birds and wildlife by poison baits and continues to participate in working groups and campaigns against their illegal use.

Protection of Flora and Fauna: the HSPN has advocated for the protection of species such as the Cretan wild goat, Mediterranean monk seal, loggerhead sea turtle, Veronica oetaea, the lesser kestrel in Northern Greece, and the Cretan date palm (Phoenix theophrasti).
Legal Actions: Initiated legal proceedings in numerous cases, including the iconic Acheloos River diversion project and recent actions like the protection of Pikrodafni Stream in Attica (2021).
Prevention of Forest Fires: Launched initiatives for forest fire prevention, including an innovative program on Kythira Island, with local participation, following the devastating 2017 wildfire.

In today’s legal and institutional framework for the environment, as well as in the contemporary reality of novel, unprecedented and horizontal threats, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature continues to defend Greek Nature through diverse and multifaceted interventions:

For projects with significant environmental impact, the HSPN files legal actions before the Council of State or employs other legal means.
For violations of EU environmental legislation, the HSPN submits cases to European institutions.
Concerning Biodiversity and Protected Areas, the HSPN participates in public consultations on legislation, studies for projects, and protected area management, while issuing public statements and positions.
Independently or in collaboration with other environmental organizations, the HSPN sends letters to the Prime Minister, Ministers, and competent State agencies.
Actively participates in environmental campaigns at the European and international levels.
Collaborates regularly with other environmental organizations to address environmental policy matters as well as local environmental issues.
Inquires about environmental protection issues raised by citizen complaints, focusing primarily on protected areas and rare or endangered species of fauna and flora.