On Monday, February 10, the first stakeholder meeting was held as part of the consultation on the development of the Sustainable Urban Development Strategy (SUDS) for the Pedion tou Areos – Finopoulou Hill – Protomagias Square cluster.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of “New Metropolitan Attica S.A.” and focused on the exchange of views and recording of proposals regarding the necessary interventions, projects and actions for the upgrade of Attica’s Metropolitan Parks. This first meeting specifically addressed the centrally located cluster of Pedion tou Areos – Finopoulou Hill – Protomagias Square, one of the capital’s most significant green lungs.

In shaping the proposed Sustainable Urban Development Strategy (SUDS) for the Metropolitan Green Spaces under the jurisdiction of the Region of Attica, participants included entities with a direct relationship to the intervention area (Region of Attica and its competent services, neighboring municipalities), as well as stakeholders and organizations holding relevant data to support a more integrated and evidence-based project approach.

Included among the participants were: Mr. Konstantinos Zombos, Deputy Governor of the Central Sector of Athens; Mr. Georgios Kormas, CEO of New Metropolitan Attica S.A.; Mr. Georgios Apostolopoulos, Deputy Mayor for Environment & Greenery of the City of Athens; Mr. Nikolaos Chrysogelos, Deputy Mayor for Climate Governance and Social Economy of the City of Athens; Representatives from the Ministry of Environment & Energy; and representatives of civil society organizations such as the Environmental Cultural Association “Epimenoume Pedion tou Areos” (which loosely translates as “ We stand by Pedion tou Areos”) , the citizens’ initiative “We in Pedion tou Areos”, and the “Athena” Association for Pedion tou Areos.

The meeting addressed critical issues related to the functional and aesthetic enhancement of Pedion tou Areos and explored the prospects for forming a unified management framework based on the principles of sustainable development. Key discussion topics included the environmental and visual upgrade of infrastructure, improving accessibility through pathway design and upgraded facilities for people with disabilities and the creation of new recreational and cultural areas. Particular emphasis was placed on connecting the park with the wider urban environment, including Protomagias Square and Finopoulou Hill, aiming to create a continuous green recreational zone.

This first meeting was a substantial step toward shaping a strategy that reflects the needs of citizens and the requirements of sustainable development. The conclusions and proposals coming out of this meeting will inform the formation of the final strategy, with further meetings involving all relevant stakeholders to follow.

As part of the Regional Programme “Attica 2021–2027”, the Region of Attica and “New Metropolitan Attica S.A.” are formulating an integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategy (SUDS) aimed at qualitatively and functionally upgrading the parks. Guided by citizens’ needs and modern sustainability challenges, all interested parties are invited to actively participate in the consultation process by submitting their views and proposals — joining forces to shape the future of Attica’s Metropolitan Parks.

For more information and participation in the consultation visit: https://bit.ly/4hoxm77 or contact info@developattica.gr.