Mount Mainalo in the “Undiscovered Mountains”

Mount Mainalo is included in the emblematic institution of the “Deceited Mountains” and acquires a highly protected status, as by a ministerial decision of the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Giorgos Amyras, the opening of a road or the creation of artificial surfaces is prohibited, as a means of protecting its unique biodiversity.

The total area of ​​Mainalos which is included in the “Lost Mountains” is 44.98 sq.km., an altitude range of 1,107 meters (from 730 to 1,837 m.) and extends south of the ski center of the area and northwest of the city of Tripoli. It consists of vast areas of coniferous forests, mainly Kefallinian Spruce and Black Pine forest ecosystems and offers refuge to rare bat species, such as Nyctalus leisleri and the endemic butterfly Callimorpha quadripunctaria (Rhodes butterfly family).

The area stands out for its wealth of endemic and non-reptile fauna, the Greek lizard Lacerta graeca and the Peloponnesian Podarcis peloponnesiaca, while it is one of the favorite mountains of mountaineers.

To date, huge areas in 7 mountain ranges, with a total area of ​​1,042 sq.km., have been declared Lost Mountains with the same number of ministerial decisions. Particularly:

● Lefka Ori 382.06 sq. km. (prefectures of Chania & Rethymno)

● Saos 97.30 sq. km. (Samothraki)

● Smolikas 102.89 sq. km. (prefectures of Ioannina & Grevena)

● Tymfi 202.75 sq. km. (prefecture of Ioannina)

● Taygetos 143.23 sq. km. (prefectures of Laconia & Messinia)

● Hatzi 45.61 sq. km. (prefecture of Trikala)

● Uncharted 94.92 sq. km. (prefectures of Karpenisi & Karditsa)

The government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, keeping its commitments, is proceeding with actions that upgrade the natural environment with the aim of protecting biodiversity and dealing with climate change.

The “Unclaimed Mountains” are a brake on the overexploitation of the environment by human activities, but without putting obstacles to investments, as they concern areas untouched by the passage of time.

The initiative of the Ministry of Environment is scientifically based on relevant research by the Department of Biological Applications and Technologies of the University of Ioannina and professor Vasiliki Kati.

According to the ministerial decision, the marking, repair, maintenance and improvement of existing hiking and hiking trails is allowed. Ecotourism can be developed in any area that is interesting in terms of biodiversity and landscape aesthetics, contributing to the preservation or creation of incentives for a transition to green economic activity such as organic crops, promotion of traditional products, etc.

The Minister of Environment and Energy, Kostas Skrekas, made the following statement: “With the inclusion of Mainalos in the pioneering institution of the “True Mountains” created by our Government, we prove once again that the protection of the Environment is our primary and non-negotiable priority . This is how we protect biodiversity, effectively deal with climate change and at the same time make our mountains a pole of attraction for the citizens of Greece and the tourists who visit it.”

The Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Giorgos Amyras, said: “Today, the uniquely beautiful Mount Mainalo joins the family of the Deceived Mountains! A year ago we started an environmental institution, pioneering in Europe. Eight mountains were given strict protection status, while mapping was completed for at least another 40 mountain masses. We are protecting pristine areas and biodiversity as a response to the climate crisis.”

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