Page 3 - PEAKED_Preliminary Research_EN

Literature review and analysis of the situation in mountain regions

GREECE

1. Literature Review

Subject areas:

- Environmental and ecological characteristics: The climate in Greece is predominantly Mediterranean,
with mild and wet winters in the southern lowland and island regions and cold winters with strong
snowfalls in the mountainous areas in the central and northern regions and hot, dry summers.
However, due to the country's geography, Greece has a wide range of micro-climates and local
variations. The Greek mainland is extremely mountainous, making Greece one of the most
mountainous countries in Europe.
- Socio-economic context: In Greece, the average household net-adjusted disposable income per
capita is USD 20 791 a year, less than the OECD average of USD 30 490 a year. In terms of
employment, about 56% of people aged 15 to 64 in Greece have a paid job, below the OECD
employment average of 66%.
- Existing policies and regulations: In efforts to protect the diverse ecosystem and natural habitat of
Mount Olympus, Greece’s tallest mountain, the government revisioned of a legal framework for its
protection in 2021 and sets out the terms and conditions for the protection, conservation and
development of the Mount Olympus National Park. An UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1981, the
Greek mountain range was the first to be designated a national park in 1938. The updated legal
framework also defines protection zones, land use, as well as conditions under which activities will
be allowed.
Current conservation and sustainable development efforts: Transport, electricity power stations,
overexploitation of water resources, degradation of coastal zones, loss of biodiversity in terrestrial
and marine ecosystems and increasing contamination from municipal and industrial waste all exert
strong pressures on the state of the environment.

2. Analysis of the current situation

Environmental Status:
- Biodiversity and key species.
- Ecosystem services provided by mountain areas.
- Climate change impact.
Olympus mountain apart from its historical value and importance in Greek mythology, which are recognized
not only in Greece but also in Europe and worldwide, Olympus mountain is also noted for its ecological value,
regarding its exceptional biodiversity and rich flora. Olympus mountain is the highest mountain in Greece,
with varying elevations. Its type of climate, according to the Köppen climate classification, is Cfb = temperate
oceanic climate, meaning that the coldest month averages above 0 or −3 °C, and all months have average
temperatures below 22 °C, and at least four months average above 10 °C. Today the Olympus National Park
Management Agency manages a larger area than the core area of the National Park. This area has ecological
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect
those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA
can be held responsible for them.