Fire protection measures have led to excessive deforestation across the country as deadlines for plot cleaning (June 30) and building maintenance near forest areas (June 21) approach. While crews work rapidly to clear dry grass, garbage, and prune trees, some are overzealous, using bulldozers to remove all vegetation, including what is not necessary.

This aggressive deforestation, especially near beaches and recreational areas, is causing concern among local associations. They argue that the cleanup efforts sometimes resemble the perpetual construction of the Arta bridge, with owners and municipalities unfairly burdened by litter left by vacationers.

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Fearing a tough fire season, the pace of deforestation has intensified, often excessively. Associations of Neo Voutza ‘PROODOS’ and ‘MATI’ have appealed to Kyriakos Mitsotakis, urging the PM to prevent what they describe as a crime against fire-affected areas in Attica and beyond. They highlight the indiscriminate destruction of native vegetation and fauna due to the use of heavy machinery, which not only harms the environment but also increases the risk of landslides.

These associations call for a revision of ministerial decisions to protect native vegetation and impose penalties on those who cause environmental damage. They argue that uprooting trees is not an effective fire prevention strategy but a threat to the environment and local ecosystems. This issue has also been raised by Amy Krokidis, journalist and president of the New Voutza Landscaping Association ‘PROODOS,’ who advocates for measures to protect native vegetation and prevent unnecessary destruction.