One-third of the NSRF and 40% of the Recovery Fund resources “are devoted to the effort for a better environment and sustainable growth,” Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said at the Forum of the Resilient Cities Network on Wednesday.
“It is the first time Greece has access to such great funding for the protection of the environment. And as deadlines are pressing, we must all do as much as we can for the absorption and best use of funding,” added Hatzidakis, representing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the forum. The theme of the event was “Dialog on resilience: Active support of Greek cities for mitigation of and adaptation to climate change.”
Referring to the government’s initiatives for sustainable and resilient cities, he noted among them the following:
– Mitsotakis’ initiative announced in 2019 to decarbonize Greece’s energy mix for environmental and economic reasons
– Increase of the share Renewable Energy Sources have in the energy mix
– Promotion of electric mobility
– Energy-saving programs for homes and busineses
– Electric interconnections between islands, key in serving tourism
– Comprehensive management of waste through construction of modern facilities
– Restrictions on unplanned urban construction
– National reforestation plan
– Reorganizing civil protection with an emphasis on modern technological means such as the 112 emergency number
– Greater funding in the state budget for natural catastrophes, from 300 million euros to 600 million euros annually
Hatzidakis made special reference to the case of the Tritsis Park, whose management he said he had transferred from the Ministry of Environment & Energy, when he headed it, to the Region of Attica. “It is a decision I do not regret, because the park has been given a new lease on life since then,” the deputy PM said. “It is not the government’s job to maintain parks,” he added.
The minister also congratulated volunteers who support municipalities and cities themselves for the network and the efforts they make. “You should consider us allies in your efforts, which belong to all who care about the planet, the environment, and our children,” he concluded.
SOURCE; ANA-MPA
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