Getting to know the Partners: region of Attica

Through a series of articles and video’s we will introduce our JUSTGREEN partners. This time we are getting to know the Greek region of Attica. Read the article underneath and watch the video for the interview with Attica colleagues Kostas Karamarkos and Eleni Karantanou.

Nestled in the heart of Greece, Attica is a region where ancient history meets modern vibrancy and urban life integrates with nature’s presence through a beautiful landscape of both mountains and sea and a rich biodiversity. As the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, this region is now taking significant steps toward a green transformation, balancing its rich cultural heritage with contemporary environmental initiatives. Attica faces substantial challenges posed by climate change, necessitating adaptive and innovative responses from policymakers.

Attica faces significant climate change challenges, including mostly rising temperatures, heatwaves, and water scarcity. The urban heat island effect exacerbates summer heat, making life increasingly uncomfortable and sometimes hazardous for residents. In response, various measures were implemented to mitigate heat absorption, alongside expanding green spaces to create cooler microclimates.

The social fabric of Attica is diverse and dynamic, with age-old traditions coexisting alongside a contemporary cultural scene. Street art decorates historic neighborhoods, festivals enliven the area with music and activities, and markets are hubs of social interaction. Community initiatives foster solidarity, inclusivity, and mutual support. Some neighborhood projects bring residents together to plant trees and create green spaces, while social enterprises promote sustainability and social justice. For instance,

Key initiatives, like the National Garden and "Attikon Alsos",  provide green spaces for relaxation and community activities. Beyond urban centers, Attica’s greening efforts extend to its villages and coastlines, which embrace eco-tourism and sustainable living. Local communities work to preserve their natural surroundings, from the pine-covered hills of Mount Parnitha to the clear waters of the Saronic Gulf. However, these areas face threats from wildfires and sea-level rise, intensified by climate change. Community-driven reforestation and coastal protection projects are critical to restoring and safeguarding these ecosystems.

There is however still room for improvement: the amount of square meters in free space per inhabitant is higher than the amount of square meters of green areas. Also urban green is not as valued as it can be yet. JUSTGREEN therefore, is helpful in promoting green infrastructure and sustainable urban development to create healthier, more resilient communities. Through JUSTGREEN, Attica aims at further improving greening solutions - infrastructures for  the Athens metropolitan area urban parks, aiming to improve environmental quality and social well-being.