On the occasion of World Environment Day, Dr. Dionysia – Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Chair of the Special Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Environmental Protection of the Hellenic Parliament and M.P., has issued the following statement:

“Every year on June 5, we celebrate World Environment Day, as a reminder of how much we depend on nature.

This year, the celebration is devoted to the biodiversity protection, which is “urgent and existential” according to the UN. Today, more than ever, the need for substantial action and measures on biodiversity conservation and restoration is imperative.

Greece should prioritize and implement large-scale programs to maintain, depollute and restore degraded ecosystems, prevent and mitigate biodiversity loss and protect it against climate change, which is key to boost the country’s resilience. In order for these programs to be successful, they should ensure the required funding that will lead to the creation of additional “green” jobs within the context of transitioning to a nature-based economy.”

Since 1974, World Environment Day has been celebrated every year on 5 June, and is the most renowned day for environmental action and raise awareness on main environmental issues. The Special Permanent Parliamentary Environment Committee of the Hellenic Parliament has already concluded several high-level meetings concerning sustainable and responsible investments with view to promote the necessary reforms to the financial sector and attract responsible investments. Recently, the Environment Committee opened the dialogue on biodiversity protection, discussing the new EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 – Bringing nature back into our lives, as well as on agricultural biodiversity.