The integration of the 36 former Protected Area Management Bodies into the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) has been completed with the incorporation of the last eight, based on the relevant Ministerial Decisions signed by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, George Amiras.
These are the agencies of the Corinthian Gulf, Western Macedonia, the Northern Aegean, the Southern Peloponnese – Kythira, Central and Eastern Crete, Voras-Paiko-Vermio, Euboea, and the Cyclades, which were essentially non-existent as they only had administrative boards and not a single employee.
These bodies are now recruiting staff and merging into the Prespa National Park and Protected Areas Management Units of Western Macedonia, Skyros and Euboea, Central Aegean, Eastern Crete, North-Eastern Aegean, Corinthian Gulf, and Southern Peloponnese.
With the completion of the integration of all former Management Bodies into OFYPKA, a major reform of Greece's National System of Protected Areas is being implemented in accordance with Law 4685/2020. The Ministry of Environment and Energy, with OFYPKA as its lever, is implementing a Five-Year Action Plan for the management, conservation, and sustainable development of the country's Natura Protected Areas.
The Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, George Amiras, stated: «Citizens have the right to know and enjoy the ecosystems, the species they host, and the wonderful landscapes of our country's Natura areas. The Ministry of Environment and Energy has secured the necessary resources and control tools for OFYPEKA to carry out its work.».
The President of OFYPE, Maria Papadopoulou, stated: «OFYPEKA, now fully operational with its modernized organizational structure and staff, will be able to serve the national goals of effectively protecting and promoting Greek nature.».
