Greece has unveiled a comprehensive national strategy to protect its cultural heritage from the growing effects of climate change, setting long-term goals through 2050 with benchmarks every five years.
The initiative targets archaeological sites, monuments, and preventive measures, while combining scientific research, digital tools, and international cooperation to strengthen the resilience of some of the country’s most important cultural assets.
Greece backs heritage protection against climate change with €22 million
The strategy draws €22 million ($25 million) in support from the Recovery and Resilience Fund through the project titled “Protection of Iconic Sites and Cultural Heritage Monuments from Climate Change.”
Greek authorities describe the project as a major step toward protecting the country’s heritage from increasingly severe climate-related threats.
The Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities developed the strategy with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the National Research Foundation. The team also worked closely with the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection and the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Climate change risk assessment and prevention take center stage
A key part of the strategy is a nationwide climate risk assessment that examines exposure, vulnerability, and hazard levels across the country.
The plan also introduces preventive infrastructure projects to protect vulnerable archaeological sites from climate-related damage. These measures include fire protection systems, flood control works, and landslide mitigation projects.
At the same time, Greece is rolling out digital tools and platforms to assess risks and help authorities choose tailored adaptation plans for individual sites. The strategy also sets out monitoring and evaluation systems aligned with international indicators adopted at COP30 in 2025 in Belém, Brazil.
Greece links heritage policy with training
The initiative also includes training programs for Ministry of Culture staff, focusing on climate adaptation and heritage protection measures.
At the same time, Greece is deepening international cooperation. The country is working with the United Nations, UNESCO, and European Union initiatives to make sure cultural heritage becomes part of broader global climate action efforts.
Mendoni said the strategy creates a unified framework for all relevant authorities and connects heritage management directly with climate resilience. She added that the plan will serve as a dynamic tool that can adapt to new scientific findings, updated climate projections, and changing conservation needs.
Pilot adaptation plans cover 19 sites
Authorities have already implemented pilot adaptation plans at 19 archaeological sites facing medium or high climate risk, including Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Knossos, and Delos.
These plans address five major climate threats: wildfires, floods, drought, extreme heat, and rising sea levels.
Greece’s heritage sites face climate change with targeted measures
Several targeted interventions have already entered the implementation phase at vulnerable heritage sites.
Authorities are carrying out flood mitigation projects in Dion and Malia, while teams are installing fire prevention systems in Philippi and Mystras. In Delphi, officials are also taking steps to reduce the risk of landslides and rockfalls.