Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias announced on Saturday that no environmental impact studies for wind turbines or industrial renewable energy projects will be approved in burned, protected or reforestable areas. The decision follows destructive wildfires that recently affected West Attica.
In a public statement, Hardalias said the Region of Attica will act as a shield to protect land undergoing natural regeneration. He added that regional authorities will ensure all restoration projects in West Attica move forward strictly within announced timelines.
Funding for emergency flood prevention infrastructure has already been secured. Hardalias confirmed that central government funds were released following a decision by the Green Fund on Friday.
The planned prevention work includes the construction of retention dams in vulnerable zones. Hardalias emphasized that physical recovery projects cannot succeed unless conditions for natural forest regeneration are fully protected from commercial development.
Zero Tolerance for Industrial Projects
Hardalias said regional officials will enforce a zero-tolerance policy against any environmentally damaging activities in West Attica. He rejected the view that damaged forests and mountains represent empty spaces on a map ready for development.
According to the governor, the green energy transition remains a priority for the regional administration. However, he stated that renewable energy goals cannot be pursued by destroying mountain environments or obstructing recovering ecosystems.
Hardalias pledged that natural reforestation will proceed without industrial intervention, citing mandates established in the Constitution. He stated that protecting land for future generations remains a non-negotiable principle for his administration.
