Coca-Cola 3E to fund restoration projects in fire-hit Achaia
Blazes burn trees in the village of Theriano near Patra in western Greece. More than 100 wildfires broke out across the country on Tuesday, with the most severe fires raging in Achaia, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Chios. Authorities ordered evacuations of dozens of villages as intense drought and strong winds fueled the spread of the flames. Greece requested assistance from the European Civil Protection Mechanism, seeking four firefighting aircraft. The largest fire erupted in Western Achaia near Flogeraika early in the morning, prompting gradual evacuations of all local settlements. Dimitris Alexopoulos, mayor of Western Achaia, reported that several homes were destroyed and a 40-year-old man from Moiraika village was hospitalized with burns. Firefighters focused on protecting Patra’s industrial area and the Movri forest to the south, while roads including the Patra-Pyrgos highway were closed. On Zakynthos, three separate fires burned near Koiliomeno, Keri, and Lithakia, with several homes destroyed in Agalas village. Additional fires broke out in Vonitsa, northern Chios, and Gymnotopos in Preveza, where traffic on the Ionian Highway was halted for hours. [GIANNIS ANDROUTSOPOULOS/AP]
Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou on Friday signed an agreement with Coca-Cola 3E to finance and implement anti-erosion and flood protection works in the Regional Unit of Achaia, following the devastating August 12 wildfires that destroyed more than 32,000 acres of land, including 8,000 acres of forests.
The total project budget is €703,228 (excluding VAT), with completion expected within four months. Works will be carried out in the Peiros and Meilichos basins to retain sediments, stabilize slopes and protect settlements, farmland and infrastructure from flooding.
The initiative is based on a 2021 government framework allowing cooperation between the state and private entities for rapid environmental restoration. Coca-Cola 3E assumes the role of Restoration Contractor, under the supervision of the Achaia Forestry Directorate.
Papastavrou said the partnership highlights the government’s priority to restore fire-stricken areas before winter. Svetoslav Atanasov, general manager of Coca-Cola Hellenic for Greece and Cyprus, said the company is committed to “supporting local communities and regenerating ecosystems” through funding of €1 million from the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation.
Regional Governor Nektarios Farmakis and other officials welcomed the cooperation, stressing the importance of immediate action to protect affected areas and prevent further damage.
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