The government is simultaneously proceeding with the promotion of three key Special Spatial Framework, while paying particular attention to the protection of Natura areas, forests and national parks.
At the same time, the minister stressed the need to strengthen energy security, noting that now more than 50% of the country’s electricity comes from renewable energy sources.
Mr. Papastavrou also referred to the Special Environmental Studies, the new National Marine Parks and the Antinero programme, which he described as key to the protection of forest ecosystems and resilience to climate change.
“For the first time we are acquiring a coherent spatial planning framework”
The Environment and Energy Minister said. For the first time, our country is acquiring a coherent, holistic spatial planning framework that responds to the needs of today, preparing our country for tomorrow.”
At the same time, he noted: “For the Kyriakos Mitsotakis government, bringing order to the industry is a profound political choice. By setting rules, we prevent arbitrariness, we help the many, we promote transparency, efficiency and equality.”
He added: “Spatial planning shows how we decide how to live, how to develop, how to protect our land and how to ensure that we leave future generations a better Greece than the one we received.”
The new spatial plans for tourism, renewable energy and industry
The ministry is proceeding with the adoption of three key Special Spatial Frameworks. The plan for tourism has already been presented, the framework for RES has been put out to public consultation, and the one for industry will soon follow.
According to the minister: “These projects work in a complementary way, shaping a new model of development where economic progress coexists with environmental protection and social cohesion.”
Indeed, on tourism he pointed out: “For example, in tourism it is stipulated that the first 25 metres from the coastline are put under full protection. No construction, no landscaping. Only utilities are allowed, such as access for disabled people and ambulances.”
Restrictions on photovoltaic and wind farms
Mr. Papastavrou particularly focused on the new spatial framework for RES, stressing that the country has already made significant progress in the energy transition.
As he said: “Today, more than 50% of the electricity we consume comes from Renewable Energy Sources, and by 2024 our country has become a net exporter of electricity.”
He continued: “The new Special Spatial Framework for Renewable Energy Sources sets clear limits and guidelines. It provides for a ban on photovoltaics in forests, woodlands and Natura areas. It prohibits the installation of wind farms in areas above 1200 m altitude, national parks and landscapes of outstanding natural beauty.
At the same time, he added: “Because the energy transition must respect nature and the local community. Only then can it be truly sustainable.”
He also referred to energy storage infrastructure, saying: “On April 1, 32 MW were put into the system, with two batteries. And we are moving fast: we are already at 210 MW, with an estimate to reach, by the end of the year, 700-800 MW.”
Natura, marine parks and the Antinero programme
The Minister of Environment and Energy stressed that the government is continuing its interventions to protect the environment and protected areas.
He said: “Last Thursday, two more Special Environmental Studies (SEEs) were approved for the Natura 2000 network sites in Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Preveza and Arta.”
At the same time, he noted: “Since 2019, when the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis took office, EAPs have been approved for an additional 247 Natura sites.”
He also referred to the cooperation between Greece and France for the protection of the seas, stating: “We agreed to strengthen the Greek-French axis by setting up a group for the protection of the seas.”
Finally, on the Antinero programme, Papastavrou stressed that this is “the most extensive prevention programme designed and implemented in our country for the protection of our forest ecosystems”.
In closing, the Environment and Energy Minister said: “Greece needs growth. “Greece needs growth, but growth with a plan, rules and perspective. This is the great reform we are implementing today: to move from fragmentation and arbitrariness to organisation, sustainability and trust.”
