Athens Clears Mount Aegaleo of Tons of Waste Ahead of Fire Season

Mount Aegaleo, Athens' last remaining forest, is undergoing a major cleanup operation to remove tons of illegally dumped waste. The environmental association of municipalities in the Athens-Piraeus region (PESYDAP) led the effort, utilizing heavy machinery and volunteers to clear the area of bulky trash and hazardous materials. The primary goal is to mitigate the risk of wildfires and ensure clear access for firefighting vehicles on the mountain's roads and paths, which had become obstructed by the refuse.

PESYDAP President Grigoris Gourdoumichalis described the illegal dumping as a daily occurrence that degrades the natural environment and fuels fires. He stressed that the association's efforts alone are insufficient, calling for increased state funding and decisive action against offenders. Gourdoumichalis pointed out the mountain's strategic location, traversed by a major highway and surrounded by fuel businesses, shipyards, and informal Roma settlements, exacerbating the challenges.

“

We are trying to tackle one of the most serious threats of environmental degradation, but also the causes of fires on Mount Aegaleo. However, our effort alone is not enough. The state needs to allocate more resources, because those allocated are insufficient. We also need to decisively address the criminality, and that is the responsibility of the state bodies, not self-government.

Data shows that between five and eleven fires occur on Mount Aegaleo annually, with illegal dumping sites and areas of criminal activity frequently serving as ignition points. As summer approaches, PESYDAP warns that the unique natural reserve of western Attica remains threatened by continued illegal waste disposal. The association urges for a comprehensive approach involving state authorities and local communities to protect this vital green space.

“

We are trying to tackle one of the most serious threats of environmental degradation, but also the causes of fires on Mount Aegaleo. However, our effort alone is not enough. The state needs to allocate more resources, because those allocated are insufficient. We also need to decisively address the criminality, and that is the responsibility of the state bodies, not self-government. Let's not forget that Mount Aegaleo is the only mountain in the basin crossed by a national road of heavy and dense traffic, the Schistou Avenue, that fuel businesses and shipyards operate at its foothills, and that in its core there are two illegal active Roma settlements.