Flood Protection Works East of the General Urban Plan (GUP) of Alexandroupolis

As part of its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection, Consortis is conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project “Construction of Flood Protection Works East of the General Urban Plan (GUP) of Alexandroupolis to address the consequences of the August 2023 wildfires.”

The project aims to protect local communities, infrastructure, and the natural environment from the devastating effects of flooding, which have intensified following the destruction of vegetation by the wildfires.
The area of interest extends east of Alexandroupolis, from the main provincial road 2a (connecting the Alexandroupolis–Feres National Road via the Egnatia Odos interchange) to the settlement of Aristeino, and includes eight settlements: Amfitriti, Apalos, Agnantia, Doriko, Anthemia, Aetochori, Aristeino, and Nipssa.

The Problem

The August 2023 wildfires caused immense ecological damage, burning more than 900,000 hectares in the Evros region—the largest wildfire in Europe since 2000.
The loss of natural vegetation removed the “natural barrier” that absorbed rainfall, leaving the area extremely vulnerable to floods that now threaten the safety of residents, agricultural lands, and public infrastructure.

The Solution

Consortis is preparing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is not merely a procedural requirement but the core of the project’s sustainable design.
Part of the project area lies within the Natura 2000 protected network site “Southern Forest Complex of Evros” (GR1110009), a region of exceptional ecological value that hosts numerous species under the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) and the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).
In addition, part of the project overlaps with the Important Bird Area GR005 “Southern Forest Complex of Evros.”

The EIA includes:
• Assessment of the project’s impacts on the natural environment and protected species.
• Preparation of a Special Ecological Assessment (SEA) in accordance with Law 4014/2011, to ensure the protection of the Natura 2000 site “Southern Forest Complex of Evros” (GR1110009).
• Collection of updated ornithofauna data following the wildfires, ensuring that the study is based on current ecological conditions.

Benefits

The project will make a significant contribution by:
• Protecting residents and infrastructure from flooding.
• Restoring ecological balance through environmentally responsible design.
• Strengthening the local economy and the resilience of communities to natural disasters.
• Promoting sustainable development of the region, with full respect for its natural assets.

With extensive experience in environmental studies and infrastructure design, Consortis ensures, scientific accuracy and transparency in all project stages, full compliance with national and EU environmental legislation, and sustainable, responsible development that protects both people and nature.