ENVIRONMENT

In Greece there is a wide variety of flora. Some 5,500 species of flora have been recognized and the country has over 200 species of trees and large shrubs.  

        There are numerous protected areas in Greece. Its national parks (http://www.in.gr/agro/_fisi)   include Mt Olympus, Mt Parnassos and Mt Iti, the Prespa lakes, Mt Vikos-Aoos, Mt Parnitha and the Samaria Gorge. There are also 11 rainforests/wetlands and 300 bio regions.

        Moreover, 900 species of fauna live in Greece and the country is a refuge for many species which are protected through specific action programmes, aiming at the management and protection of biodiversity. Among the protected species are the Mediterranean Sea turtle Caretta-caretta, which finds its home in the Aegean and the Ionian Seas as well as the monk seal Monachus-monachus (www.wwf.gr) found in the waters of Zakynthos and Kefallonia. The Dadia Forest (www.dadia.gr), upstream on the Evros River in Thrace, is a shelter to the largest variety of birds of prey in Europe.  

         The Greek environmental policy reflects the necessity to pursue a development policy in the industrial, tourist and agricultural sectors, while, at the same time, safeguarding the environment and natural resources and thus achieving a sustainable development.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.minenv.gr (Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works)

www.eot.gr