Audit Report: Fewer Reforestations Than Planned in Greece

A negative report by the Hellenic Court of Audit highlights the ineffectiveness of reforestation programs in Greece following forest fires. The report finds that fewer reforestations are carried out than planned, and the restoration of the forest environment is not adequately monitored.

The report states that the General Directorate of Forests and Forest Environment lacks reliable data on areas designated for reforestation, resulting in resources being allocated randomly. Furthermore, the design of the Rural Development Program 2014-2022 yielded minimal results due to immature projects and complications from the transfer of forestry services to the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

The Court of Audit found that the institution of restoration and reforestation by contractors accelerated the execution of projects, but in some cases, resources were not released in a timely manner. The report is accompanied by recommendations to improve the actions of the competent bodies.