The strategic plan of the Attica Region to tackle climate crisis, enhance social cohesion, increase green spaces and prevention of natural disasters was presented by Mr. Nikos Chardalias, giving an extensive interview to Esgstories.gr.

At the same time he referred to the challenges he has been called upon to face during his term, while underlining the importance of the methodical and hard work done by all services in order to produce the project required for a sustainable, functional and human basin.

In particular, referring to efforts to strengthen the urban green and tackle the climate crisis, Mr Chardalias said that the region’s approach is not based on theories and heavy announcements, but on actions and measurable results. “You know, the big words and the pompous announcements, not only do not move, but they are annoying the citizens anymore. That is why my obligation is for the residents and visitors of Attica to see progress and change in practice, through small and large projects and interventions. By decision of this Regional Authority, a budget plan of EUR 43 million is implemented for the operational upgrading and protection of our Attica Metropolitan Parks. At the same time, by 2028 the largest urban regeneration of the basin, the “Aeneon”, the metropolitan park in the Faliro bay, 541 acres, is done, the work we received on the brink of aberration and with a methodical and hard work, with the “tough work”, Thus recovering the confidence of our European partners, ”he said.

Regarding air pollution and in general the environmental footprint of the region, Mr. Chardalias, after saying that even today each municipality is preparing its own traffic study, which is not part of any overall plan, so we should only see an effort to “export” it, vicious circle. The Region of Attica is able to centralize the design of all the necessary actions, in partnership with the transport project providers. ”

In the field of social policy, he emphasized the support of vulnerable groups, stating: “The Attica Region will allocate 409.5m euros in the coming years for social cohesion. […] Our goal is to ensure by any means a better quality of life for everyone, without exclusion, securing positions for preschoolers in care structures as well as positions in Creative Employment Centers for Children and People with Disabilities (KDAPA. Particular reference made to the preventive actions that are being developed for mental health, with the main aim of combating stigma. “We send the message that ‘no one is alone’ and that depression. With proper support can be defeated, ”he added.

Asked about Attica’s shielding infrastructure against floods and fires, the Regional Governor noted that: “Attica’s flood protection with 54 projects, 454 million euros, and a time of € 204, has been made as a direct priority. Shielding infrastructure of the Basin. As far as fires are concerned, there is no doubt that this year’s firefighting season will be difficult. And in this field I have been in favor of adopting a metropolitan management model of prevention projects, always by ensuring the necessary funding.
At the same time, from my position as the First Vice-President of the EPP Political Team to the EU Regions Committee, after my unanimous election by my colleagues of the 27 Member States, I have repeatedly supported the need for the creation of a new European Fund for the European Fund for the European Court of Justice Consequences of the climate crisis. ” He added that the Attica Region and in cooperation with the Directorate -General for Forests proceeds with a 22km firefighting network in high -risk areas, that is, settlements that have been developed in forest density. “

Concerning the strategies followed by the Region to increase recycling, Mr Chardalias emphasized that he would insist quite a bit in the matter in the coming years, as data show a declining course. “That’s why my goal was to address young people first and foremost, with an unconventional campaign, we should not do fragmentary recycling, but to be done correctly by everyone. Our campaign has a four -year horizon, and in order to achieve raising awareness we will also enter schools to train student communities. And the key is the cooperation of public administration with private bodies, ”he said.

In closing, the Regional Governor spoke in a personal tone about the challenges and motivation that guides him: “The main challenges of the first months were the uprooting of corruption and the change of mentality in the way we work as a region of Attica. We pledged that we would work hard every day and we do. We will be judged by the results and not by the words. At the political level, my goal is to dwell on the confidence of the citizens who have commissioned the position of the Regional Governor, while on a personal level, to be good for the people I love, to be healthy and to progress. “