In a significant move to safeguard Greece's rich cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change, the Ministry of Culture and the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation have joined forces.
The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, will focus on protecting archaeological sites and promoting environmental stewardship.
The partnership aims to improve monument protection, raise environmental awareness, and encourage volunteerism.
A key element of the plan is a three-year initiative to clean up areas of historical and environmental importance across several regions of Greece.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni stressed the urgency of adapting to climate change with robust measures to protect archaeological sites, including improved fire prevention systems.
She praised the Laskaridis Foundation's Cyclone Project, which has already achieved impressive results in cleaning up rural areas, rivers, lakes, and archaeological sites. Since its launch in spring 2024, the project has removed over 518 tons of waste and cleaned 15 archaeological sites, including the Acropolis of Mycenae.
This collaboration builds on the foundation's successful Typhoon Project, which focused on cleaning up marine waste in coastal areas. Minister Mendoni emphasized the importance of this partnership for cultural preservation, aligning it with broader efforts to build resilience against natural disasters.
Climate Crisis Minister Vasilis Kikilias also lauded the initiative, highlighting its role in educating future generations about the challenges of climate change. Evi Lazou Laskaridi, President of the Laskaridis Foundation, stressed the project's dual focus on environmental and cultural preservation, underscoring its importance for Greece's identity and natural beauty.
The Cyclone Project has been widely praised for tackling land-based pollution that threatens both cultural heritage and ecosystems.
As it expands to new regions, it is expected to have a growing impact, fostering community engagement and strengthening Greece's ability to protect its cultural and environmental treasures for future generations.