Mount Mainalo has been included in the emblematic institution of the “Untrodden Mountains” and is given highly protected status.

With the relevant decision of the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Giorgos Amyras, the opening of a road or the creation of artificial surfaces is now prohibited, as a means of protecting its unique biodiversity.

The extent

In particular, the total area of Mainalos which is part of the “Untrodden Mountains” is 44.98 sq.km., an altitude range of 1,107 meters (from 730 to 1,837 m.) and extends south of the ski center of the area and northwest of the city of Tripolis.

It consists of vast areas of coniferous forests, mainly Capelinian fir and black pine forest ecosystems and offers shelter to rare bat species such as Nyctalus leisleri and the endemic butterfly Callimorpha quadripunctaria (Rhodes butterfly family).

It is noted that the area stands out for the wealth of endemic and non-reptile fauna, the Greek lizard Lacerta Graeca and the Peloponnesian Podarcis Peloponnesiaca, while it is one of the favorite mountains of mountaineers.

The Minister of Environment and Energy, Kostas Skrekas, stated in this regard: “With the inclusion of Mainalos in the pioneering institution of the “Untrodden Mountains” that our government created, we prove once again that the protection of the environment is our primary and non-negotiable priority. This is how we protect biodiversity, effectively deal with climate change and at the same time make our mountains a pole of attraction for the citizens of Greece and the tourists who visit it.”

For his part, the competent Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Giorgos Amyras, pointed out: “Today, the uniquely beautiful Mount Mainalo is included in the family of “Untrodden Mountains”. A year ago we started an environmental institution, pioneering in Europe. Eight mountains were given strict protection status, while mapping was completed for at least another 40 mountain masses. We are protecting pristine areas and biodiversity as a response to the climate crisis.”

The “Untrodden Mountains”

To date, huge areas in seven mountain ranges, with a total area of 1,042 sq.km., have been declared “Lost Mountains” by as many ministerial decisions.

Particularly:

– Lefka Ori 382.06 sq.km. (prefectures of Chania and Rethymno)

– Saos 97.30 sq.km. (Samothraki)

– Smolikas 102.89 sq.km. (prefectures of Ioannina and Grevena)

– Timfi 202.75 sq.km. (prefecture of Ioannina)

– Taygetos 143.23 sq.km. (prefectures of Laconia and Messinia)

– Hatzi 45.61 sq.km. (prefecture of Trikala)

– Agrafa 94.92 sq.km. (prefectures of Karpenisi and Karditsa)

The initiative of the Ministry of Environment and Energy is scientifically based on relevant research by the Department of Biological Applications and Technologies of the University of Ioannina and Professor Vasiliki Kati.

As it became known, according to the ministerial decision, the marking, repair, maintenance and improvement of existing hiking and naturist trails is allowed. Ecotourism can be developed in any area that is interesting in terms of biodiversity and landscape aesthetics, contributing to the preservation or creation of incentives for a transition to green economic activity such as organic crops, promotion of traditional products, etc.

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