On the occasion of December 11, International Mountain Day, the Ministry of Environment and Energy announced the strengthening and expansion of the “Untrodden Mountains” program.

Specifically, according to the relevant Ministerial Decision, two new areas are added to this special protection status: the peak Stroungoula in the Athamanika Mountains and Mount Parnon. At the same time, the same Ministerial Decision extends the additional terms and restrictions for the protection of the “Roadless Area” (RLA) in three mountains: Smolikas and Tymfi in the Northern Pindos National Park, and Chatsi in Thessaly.

So far, a total of 11 relevant Ministerial Decisions have been issued for “untrodden mountains,” some of which have now been regulated through approved Special Environmental Studies. RLAs are land areas larger than 1 square kilometer and more than 1 km away from the nearest road. In these areas, additional conditions and restrictions are imposed, designating a specific roadless zone.

The Ministerial Decision for the untrodden mountains institutionally secures a very high level of protection by prohibiting the construction of new infrastructure, such as roads and wind turbines. It aims to curb land-use change — the leading cause of biodiversity loss and forest degradation globally and in Europe — halt the fragmentation of natural and forest ecosystems by roads and artificial surfaces, and preserve habitat types and species of flora, wildlife, and birdlife found in the area.

International Mountain Day was established by the UN in 2003 to highlight the vital role of mountains as sources of water, food, energy, and biodiversity, and to promote their protection from threats such as climate change and deforestation.

The Minister of Energy and Environment, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, made the following statement:
“Mountains are a natural treasure of our homeland, and we have a duty to protect them. A priority of the Government is to strengthen the resilience and sustainable prospects of local mountain communities, ensuring that development goes hand in hand with respect for our country’s unique natural environment and biodiversity. The ‘Untrodden Mountains’ initiative is a model of environmental protection and social responsibility towards nature and future generations. By including new areas in this status and extending the protection of existing ones, we raise awareness among local communities and safeguard mountain ecosystems. Our goal is for our mountains to remain vibrant, protected, and sustainable — to continue being a source of water, life, knowledge, and natural beauty for the entire country.”