The Thrace Biodiversity Protection Society (THPS) was recently declared a reforestation contractor by the Ministry of National Economy/General Directorate of Forests and Forest Environment and will proceed with the reforestation of part of the Drymos forest area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Alexandroupolis Forestry Department. The reforestation project will be financed by WWF resources, which was mobilized to assist in restoration actions of the burned area of Evros, drawing resources from foreign institutions.

Reforestation will be carried out based on the approved study accompanying this call.

This reforestation is included in the study approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry entitled “Study of management guidelines for the restoration of forest ecosystems in the Evros region after the 2023 fire” which was completed in May by WWF Greece. The study proposes monitoring the course of natural regeneration for the largest part of the area based on a specific hierarchy, while for the 3,500 ha area in the forest location Drymos, immediate artificial reforestation is proposed. The special feature of this area is that it has burned three times in recent years, some parts in 2009, 2020 and 2023 and some in 2011, 2020 and 2023. Last year's fire in particular passed through the area with high severity, thus excluding its natural recovery. 1145 ha. of this area concerns the said announcement.

The important features of the reforestation are that a variety of trees and shrubs will be used, while no plantings will be made in places where natural regeneration has been observed, especially in streams. The reforestation project (planting, watering and plant care) will last 3 years. The EPBTH will accompany the reforestation work with various informational and educational activities. After the end of the reforestation, the EPBTH will undertake the monitoring of the project.

Announcement details

• Title: Artificial reforestation of 1,145.96 hectares (two studies of 463.5 & 682.46 hectares) in the forest location "Drymos", an area of responsibility of the Alexandroupolis Forestry Department.
• Budget: €900,000.00 including VAT 24%
• Open tender for the conclusion of a supply & service contract
• Award Criterion: Most economically advantageous offer, based on the best quality-price ratio
• Deadline for submission of Bids: Monday, October 7, 2024, 17:00
• Bid Validity Period: Six (6) months (until April 7, 2025)
• Opening of bids: between Tuesday, October 8 and Friday, October 11, 2024. Participants will be notified on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 of the exact date and time
• Project completion deadline: Within 36 months from start. Estimated start October 30, 2024 / estimated completion date October 30, 2027
• Right to participate: Natural or legal persons (public or private law) who are legally established in Greece or in another member state of the European Union (EU).
• Guarantees: A letter of guarantee in the amount of thirty thousand Euros (€30,000.00) for the proper execution and operation of the project will be submitted upon signing the contract.

For anyone interested in undertaking the reforestation project, the text of the open tender and the approved reforestation studies can be found here.