Forest Land Use: Terms and Conditions in Greece

New regulations for the use of forest lands in Greece define which activities are permitted and which are prohibited. Following the ratification of forest maps and the decisions of the Committees for Examination of Objections (EPEA), thousands of acres are now classified as forest lands, often reverting to state ownership.

Permitted Actions:

• Primary sector activities (agriculture, livestock farming).
• Construction of public infrastructure and infrastructure projects (road construction).
• Industrial facilities (processing of agricultural products, wineries).
• Mines – quarries.
• Cultural projects.
• Sports, education, healthcare facilities, hydroports.
• Tourist facilities (4 or 5-star hotels, ski resorts, thermal springs).

Prohibitions:

• Construction of residences.
• Arbitrary clearings.
• Change of land use without a permit.
• Activities that degrade the forest ecosystem.

Photovoltaics: Generally prohibited in forests and reforested areas, unless the land had been cleared for agricultural use.

Agricultural Exploitation: Permitted under conditions, with approval following a feasibility study.