Mount Olympus: the environmental study is approved, the National Park expands to 37,544 hectares

Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN) approved the part of Special Environmental Study (EPM) 3b for the Natura 2000 areas of Western and Central Macedonia concerning Mount Olympus (GR1250001). As Business Daily reports, this approval is the necessary step for expanding the Olympus National Park, one of Greece’s most emblematic natural areas.

The expanded park will include the Natura area GR1250001, the existing park and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve area. According to reports by eportal.gr, the decision follows up on the commitment made during Olympus’s candidacy for the UNESCO World Heritage List, strengthening the international protection status of the mythical mountain.

With the expansion, the National Park grows from 23,561 hectares to 37,544 hectares, integrating the 13,841 hectares of the peripheral zone. Across the whole surface, 8 protection zones, permitted land uses and management measures are defined, with 58% of the park to be in strict protection zones, the study guarantees.

Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest peak and a mythological symbol of the country, is home to rich biodiversity and an important ecotourism destination. The park’s expansion is expected to improve the management of the territory and the protection of rare habitats, in line with European nature legislation.