Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the event for the inclusion of the wider Olympus area in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, constituting the 21st Greek inscription and the third within a few years, after Zagori (2023) and the Minoan Palatial Centers (2025).
«This precious “seal” that UNESCO places on Olympus today is not a trophy, simply a place in some display case. It is a constant reminder of the responsibility that the state, the central state, OFYPEKA, local government, undertake with respect, with the aim of effectively shielding this special ecosystem and keeping its cultural identity alive, not only for us but also for future generations, and with the criterion now being not only its Greekness but also its global radiance», the Prime Minister stressed during the event, in Litochoro.
«It is, of course, a double challenge, as the protection of the landscape must go hand in hand with the development of the society that lives around it, because as long as the natural beauties remain unspoiled and protected, the permanent residents will be able to create and prosper in their homeland», Kyriakos Mitsotakis continued.
«Our purpose, therefore, is to create a new development pillar, to “give birth” to a new development cycle, which will bring employment, productive reconstruction and income, but above all vitality, here, in Macedonia, in Central Macedonia, in Thessaly. We must not forget that Olympus “stands” in two Regions: both in Central Macedonia and in Thessaly, but not only», the Prime Minister noted.
The inclusion of Olympus in the World Heritage List is accompanied by a series of mild interventions and projects that are harmonized with the environment, so that both the protection and the promotion of the natural beauty and history of the area are upgraded.
The framework of interventions includes the expansion of the Olympus National Park by almost 140,000 stremmas, including the area that has been included in UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve, with the result that the final area exceeds 375,000 stremmas. This is achieved through a new Special Environmental Study, which ensures that 58% of the expanded Park is included in strict protection zones.
At the same time, in cooperation with OFYPEKA and Local Government, the maintenance and upgrading of the main hiking routes is being implemented, the restoration of the 14 main mountaineering routes, the construction of nine water tanks, which will cover both civil protection needs and the supply of refuges, the construction of three fire watch posts in strategic positions as a continuation of the AntiNero interventions, as well as biodiversity conservation actions, such as the installation of two feeding stations for large birds of prey.
The construction of six entrance guard posts at the main gates is also being launched, which, combined with the installation of a visitor counting system, will allow better control of flows on Olympus and the immediate provision of assistance in case of need. To facilitate access, the plan provides for restoration and upgrading works on the Litochoro - Prionia road axis.
On the occasion of the initiatives for Olympus and referring to the government’s broader policy for the regions and mountainous areas, the Prime Minister pointed out: «Here, in Litochoro, here on Olympus, the perception that has run through government policy all these past years is also evident: opportunities should be comparable between citizens of the center and the periphery, geographical distances should be reduced and in this way social inequalities should also be reduced. And the conditions on an island or in a mountain village of Greece should not constitute an obstacle to the prosperity of those who live there, but resources of life and progress, indeed on the basis of the distinct virtues of each place».
In closing, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that the next pursuit is the inscription of Nikopolis on UNESCO’s List and added: «We will also achieve the goal of Nikopolis, but the message we send today, in the shadow of this sacred mountain, is clear: in a troubled world, Greece remains steady, not only in its course and its choices, but in its values and its sensitivities».
The Prime Minister’s full speech
Your Eminence, ladies and gentlemen colleagues in the government and in the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Mayor, Mr. and Mrs. Deputy Regional Governor, friends, dear Giorgos, Mr. Permanent Representative of Greece to UNESCO,
Every time one is near Olympus, one immediately feels that one is not simply encountering the highest mountain of our homeland, but feels the awe of a symbol of universal culture, where Greek mythology intersects with world history and natural beauty with rare biodiversity.
That is why the official inclusion of Olympus as a mixed property in UNESCO’s World Heritage List constitutes a moment of vindication for the very character of this emblematic mountain.
I want to remind you that there were only two mixed properties inscribed before Olympus: Meteora and Mount Athos. Now we acquire three mixed monuments, that is, sites which are precious both for their ecological and for their cultural value.
Indeed, I remember when I first spoke with the Minister of Culture and asked her then, at the beginning of our first term, “well then, how is it possible that Olympus is not inscribed among UNESCO World Heritage monuments?” she answered me disarmingly: “Because no one had dealt with it until today”.
This government dealt with it methodically and achieved this very important goal. And it achieved it because we convinced UNESCO that from the steep peaks of Olympus, to its unique refuges and from ancient Dion to the Monastery of Saint Dionysios -which the Ministry of Culture also took care to reconstruct and we will complete, Elder and Your Eminence, the intervention we are making very soon-, Olympus has been an example of a unique synthesis of the way in which nature and geology can shape thought, art, but also spiritual life itself.
On the one hand -as the Minister of Environment also mentioned- Olympus is our first national forest, since 1938. In 2028 it will complete 90 years. It hosts more than 1,700 plant species, 1/4 of the Greek flora in total, among them 27 endemic ones, which grow nowhere else in the world.
And on the other hand, it composes an environment that over the centuries has once again emerged as something unique. A landmark that reflects man’s constant quest toward the lofty and at the same time the continuous claim to progress.
However, and I want to insist on this, Mr. Mayor, this precious “seal” that UNESCO places on Olympus today is not a trophy, simply a place in some display case. It is a constant reminder of the responsibility that the state, the central state, OFYPEKA, local government, undertake with respect, with the aim of effectively shielding this special ecosystem and keeping its cultural identity alive, not only for us but also for future generations, and with the criterion now being not only its Greekness but also its global radiance.
It is, of course, a double challenge, as the protection of the landscape must go hand in hand with the development of the society that lives around it, because as long as the natural beauties remain unspoiled and protected, the permanent residents will be able to create and prosper in their homeland.
This balance that we are called upon to achieve is delicate. It is achieved, however, with mild interventions and technical works, which are harmonized with tradition and the terms shaped by natural conditions.
An example is the intervention being carried out in cooperation with the Region -the relevant programmatic contract has just been signed- for the central artery of the national park that make it safer, and the very important works that OFYPEKA presented to you, which aim to highlight the environmental dimension of Olympus: to build again these beautiful paths, to make sure we have those reservoirs so that in case it is needed, for any reason, the Fire Service or our helicopters can take water and be able to do so quickly.
And of course, the first step is for the park itself to grow, to expand by 60%, so that it can receive more visitors, especially those who love nature, combining their own joy with respect for it.
And when I refer to strengthening the local economy, I am not referring only to hotels, accommodations, restaurants. We are talking about an overall, we are talking about a living chain, which extends across many sectors: from transport and processing to catering and the production of products from the area itself.
Our purpose, therefore, is to create a new development pillar, to “give birth” to a new development cycle, which will bring employment, productive reconstruction and income, but above all vitality, here, in Macedonia, in Central Macedonia, in Thessaly. We must not forget that Olympus “stands” in two Regions: both in Central Macedonia and in Thessaly, but not only.
Indeed, with the inscription of Olympus on UNESCO’s list, the opportunities opening up for this place are brilliant. And we can look forward to a significant increase in visitors, whom, however, we must now be able to manage responsibly.
That is why the concept of reciprocity to which you referred, Mr. Mayor, has such great importance for me. The visitors who will come from all corners of the Earth to visit Olympus will demand good services, safety, protection, and we must be in a position to provide them.
That is why I insist so much that the journey essentially starts now. We have strict timetables until the end of 2027, so that we can be consistent with the obligations that we ourselves, as a government and as a local society, undertook toward UNESCO. But I have no doubt that we will manage to carry these through.
And of course, here, in Litochoro, here on Olympus, the perception that has run through government policy all these past years is also evident: opportunities should be comparable between citizens of the center and the periphery, geographical distances should be reduced and in this way social inequalities should also be reduced. And the conditions on an island or in a mountain village of Greece should not constitute an obstacle to the prosperity of those who live there, but resources of life and progress, indeed on the basis of the distinct virtues of each place.
It is therefore no coincidence that 400 million from the current ESPA are already being channeled into mountain development projects, 145 million are being invested in local entrepreneurship, 83 million were directed to very many rural road projects. We are also constructing modern water supply, sewerage, waste management networks, renovating Health Centers in all Regions, modernizing schools.
Health workers and teachers serving in the regions are now entitled to reimbursement of two rents from the state. At the same time, our mountain ranges in particular are being equipped against climate change, with the first concern being the protection of our homeland’s unique forest ecosystem.
I want here to make a special mention, Mr. Minister, Mr. Director and Madam President and Mr. CEO of OFYPEKA, of the very important AntiNero projects, which were carried out in the country over the last five years. It is the first time that the country has managed to launch, implement and utilize European resources for an intervention of unique scale and intensity in our forest ecosystems.
This is a very important legacy for the future and a new perception of the way in which we understand the management of our forests as a whole.
I could speak for a long time about the regions and especially the mountainous ones. Besides, we are the ones who established a Special Secretariat for Mountainous Areas, which reflects my personal interest in mountainous Greece. I want to remind you that the “Tourism for All” program gives weight to mountain destinations.
And of course, I also want to refer to an important policy decision of this government, which will be specified in the next 10 days. This choice is to increase the heating allowance amid the energy crisis, so that we can support those areas that have a greater need in winter to keep warm.
So I would once again, in closing, like to congratulate all those who participated in this effort. It was not at all easy. As Giorgos said, what may seem obvious to us requires a great deal of work and very systematic preparation in order to overcome the obstacles of international diplomacy and bureaucracy.
The cooperation of the Ministries of Culture and Environment with Local Government, Mr. Mayor, with our Representative to UNESCO, was excellent.
Congratulations which are accompanied, as I said, by new duties as well. We are now at 21 inscriptions, the 22nd will be Nikopolis. Three of these inscriptions took place in recent years: Zagori, the Minoan Palaces, Olympus. It is a long and arduous process, which nevertheless makes us all feel that we chose to follow this path.
So we will also achieve the goal of Nikopolis, but the message we send today, in the shadow of this sacred mountain, is clear: in a troubled world, Greece remains steady, not only in its course and its choices, but in its values and its sensitivities.
And, despite the difficulties, it draws strength from the achievements of its citizens and optimism from the fresh air of its peaks. It remains steady on the course of progress it has chosen, with certainty, consistency and continuity.
And of course, let me recall, in closing, the verses of Palamas: “if the peaks you tread are great, high, other peaks greater, higher than you, you shall behold above you”.
We do not have a higher peak than Olympus in our homeland. When we were going to school it was at 2,917 meters, now it has duly reached 2,918.
For our homeland, however, there are always higher peaks, which all together united we will conquer.
Thank you very much.