600 new trees take root for a greener Thessaloniki

Tree-planting action as part of the European Climate Pact initiatives

A major tree-planting action was successfully carried out on Tuesday, 25 November in Thessaloniki, offering the city a much-needed “breath” of green. The initiative was organised by Europe Direct Central Macedonia and the American Farm School of Thessaloniki, within the framework of the European commitment to plant three billion trees by 2030. The action was carried out with the support of the environmental organisation We4All, an official Partner Organisation of the European Climate Pact, and the National Coordinator for the European Climate Pact INZEB, as part of the European Climate Pact activities.

The tree-planting, which attracted participants of all ages, unfolded in two phases and covered the area between the American Farm School and CEDEFOP, near Technopolis. In total, around 600 trees were planted, which over time will form a new green space within the urban environment. The initiative had been set in motion a few weeks earlier by the Greek Commissioner responsible for sustainable transport and tourism of the European Commission, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who had symbolically planted two saplings at the same site.

In her statement, Katerina Roumelioti, Head of Europe Direct Central Macedonia, emphasized that “the new trees planted will enhance the biodiversity of the area and contribute to its sustainability and resilience under modern climate conditions. More tree-planting will follow, and naturally, the maintenance of the plants in the coming critical months is now a responsibility and priority for us. Protecting nature, climate action and sustainability all come through education and our collective cooperation.”

Similarly, Eva Iliadi Vagena, Corporate Relations Officer at We4All, stated: “For us at We4All, every tree-planting is another step toward our shared goal: creating a greener, more resilient and more sustainable world for everyone. This week’s action, in collaboration with the American Farm School of Thessaloniki, INZEB, the local community and all participants, once again demonstrated what we can achieve when we join forces. Planting hundreds of new trees in an area that will, over time, become a living green lung is not only an environmental act; it is a collective effort for the city’s future, for biodiversity, and for climate resilience. Perhaps the greatest success of this action is that we saw people of all ages and backgrounds sharing the same vision and take active part in this journey, joining forces for a good cause.”

All who participated — students, teachers, families, volunteers, and organizations — contributed miningfully to the creation of a new green lung. Notable contributors included the High Schools of the American Farm School, Perrotis College, the AFS Nursery School, the 2nd Gymnasium and the Kindergarten of Thermi, the 1st High School of Eleftherio-Kordelio, CEDEFOP, the Hellenic Rescue Team, the Youth Council of the Municipality of Thermi, the Society for the Care of Spastic Children of Northern Greece, as well as Climate Pact Ambassadors and European Parliament Ambassador Schools students. The presence of so many different bodies highlighted the power of collaboration and collective environmental action.

This initiative affirmed that synergies between environmental organisations, educational institutions and the local community can lead to meaningful results. The action left a strong mark on the city — not only environmental but also social — promoting active citizen in climate protection and sustainability.

With a commitment to continue similar initiatives, Thessaloniki takes yet another step toward a greener and more resilient future.