The environment of a city such as Athens is composed of and
influenced by many parameters. For this reason, even isolated measures which are
necessary for the protection and upgrading of the environment must be
incorporated into a comprehensive plan.
We are creating
a comprehensive, sustainable policy:
Increasing the amount of open space
and greenery in Athens...
We are remodelling at least three squares in each city district, which
involves special plantings, so that all neighbourhoods have green, recreational
and entertainment areas. Environmentally-friendly materials are utilised in
these projects which take into account the city's contemporary functions.
We are making use of and planting greenery in municipal- and state-owned
open spaces, expropriating where necessary, so as to provide a breath of fresh
air to all city neighbourhoods.
We are adding greenery to key locations in Athens and the wider area.
We are completing the urban regeneration project in the area of Elaionas
and on Alexandras Avenue,
which will create much-needed green space in the highly urbanised location of
the old Panathinaikos football field. We are regenerating the downgraded area
of Elaionas and creating 12
hectares of greenery in the most extensive project carried
out in Attica in recent years.
We are creating green routes, linear parks (walkways framed by tree
avenues, where possible) and tree-lined paths along the length of pavements,
gullies and railway tracks situated across the city.
We are creating oases of greenery in schoolyards, at municipal sports
facilities, childcare centres, playgrounds, in open public spaces and municipal
buildings.
We are devising a special operational plan of action for the revision of
the town plan as a whole (General Town Plan, Town Planning Studies,
Implementation Practices), implementation of comprehensive regeneration
measures and creation of open and green spaces.
Taking care of existing green
spaces...
We are claiming jurisdiction over green spaces situated in Athens for which the City does not hold responsibility
(such as Areos Park) and incorporating them into the
Municipality's integrated management and care system, and obtaining the
necessary financial resources
We are improving the maintenance and security of green spaces through
the use of new technology. We are recording, naming and documenting the trees
and green zones of Athens
with the City's Geographic Information System (GIS). We are enhancing and
equipping City services and putting new technology to use with operational
plans concerning the care and protection of green spaces as well as the raising
of citizen awareness.
We are enhancing the existing variety of plants with species which
historically prospered in Attica and planting them in all green spaces
throughout Athens,
as well as planting tall trees at selected spots in city neighbourhoods
We are carrying out regular maintenance of trees in the form of pruning
to ensure they do not obstruct the visibility of traffic signage and lights,
particularly on central thoroughfares.
We are intensifying maintenance work on squares with the aim of
bettering their visual image and functionality.
We are replacing aged trees with species which are suited to the Attica environment.
We are planting 300,000 seasonal flowers in all green spaces each year.
We are carrying out regeneration works at the National Gardens,
a central green lung and recreational spot, in an effort to restore them to their
former glory.
We are taking care of the
greenery on Athens'
hills. We are modifying and enhancing vegetation on Athens' hills, such as Lycabettus,
Filopappos, Strefi, Pnyx, Kolonos, Skouze and Ardittos, as well as creating
footpaths and bicycle tracks. We are improving lighting to improve
functionality, aesthetics and security for citizens.
We are expanding City nursery activities to ensure that the Municipality
has sufficient plants which are suited to the Attica
landscape. In collaboration with Universities, Institutes and scientific
bodies, we are providing further training to Municipal staff on the selection
of plants, conserving water resources, making use of and protecting underground
water reserves and recycling garden waste.
Motivating
citizens and developing collaboration for Athens'
greenery...
We love and care for animals. In collaboration with animal welfare
societies, veterinarians and other competent agencies, we are utilizing
experiences and methods concerning the care of stray animals and pets accompanied
by owners, who ensure streets and squares remain clean in their wake. We
support the sterilization and vaccination programme for stray animals and the
gradual tagging of all animals, in order to prevent the phenomenon of abandoned
animals
We offer incentives for the merging of open spaces located between
neighbouring apartment buildings so that these areas can be filled with
greenery or playground equipment supplied by the Municipality.
We are drawing up a sponsorship programme for the remodeling of green
spaces and squares. We are motivating individuals and businesses to undertake
the regeneration of and assume responsibility for the care of the city's green
spaces, which serves as a gift for the residents of the city in which they
reside and operate. We award and promote all who participate.
We provide citizens with incentives to green rooftops and balconies, and
thereby enliven Athens'
apartment buildings. We are utilizing our rooftop gardening experience and plan
to conduct a pilot rooftop gardening scheme involving state- and
privately-owned buildings.
We are instituting an annual Spring event. Titled "The children plant a
flower", on a specific day in Spring the greenery service, together with
associations, societies, volunteers and Athens school students, plant flowers
in open spaces in city neighbourhoods. In this way we educate the city's school
students and create a new generation more conscious of environmental issues.
We are motivating non-governmental organizations and team of citizen
volunteers to assume responsibility - with the City's support - for the
supervision of parks and squares in their locality, safeguarding them from
vandalism and damages.
We are instituting Athens' Greenery Charter, a framework which
outlines the obligations of individuals and agencies as regards caring for the
city's greenery and foresees penalties for relevant violations.
Address
by Athens Mayor Nikitas
Kaklamanis on the Greenery Charter presented before Athens City
Council
The European Day of Parks was celebrated yesterday.
Today, after months of preparations and consultation, I am pleased to present
the City of Athens Greenery Charter.
We are the
first Municipality in Greece
and among the first in Europe and the world to
create a Greenery Charter.
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