Amendment to ban access to forests, parks when fire risk is high

An amendment presented to lawmakers in Parliament on Tuesday by the Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry seeks to impose an ban on access to forests, parks and Natura-protected areas on days when the risk of fire is high.

Attached to a Shipping Ministry bill on yachting that was to be voted on in Parliament later in the day, the ban will apply to members of the public seeking to pass through, stay in or travel around these areas.

According to the amendment, the decision will be issued by the regional governor of each area, according to the prevailing weather conditions and the recommendations of the Fire Service.

Violations of the ban will incur a fine of 300 euros.

Greece has for years struggled with destructive forest fires during the summer season due to a combination of authorities’ negligence and incompetence, human agency and climate change.