Rhodes restores forests after wildfires with tourism support
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The TUI Care Foundation is leading an initiative in Rhodes, Greece, to restore forests damaged by wildfires three years ago.
Local organizations, tourism businesses, and volunteers are working together to plant over 3,000 trees and revitalize 80,000 square meters of land in southern Rhodes. The project, called TUI Forest Rhodes, partners with the Greek environmental organization Gia Ti Fisi and the Rhodes Co-Lab initiative.
The 2023 wildfires significantly harmed the island’s environment, destroying forests, disrupting wildlife habitats, and impacting local communities. The loss of vegetation increased soil erosion, and displaced animals sought food and water near populated areas. The project focuses on an area near a protected wildlife refuge, important for conservation. TUI Forest Rhodes will center around an existing olive grove, planting trees suited to the local climate and resistant to fire. The project will also install irrigation, fencing, and fire prevention measures.
An existing building will become an Education and Information Centre, offering environmental education and volunteer opportunities. The initiative also aims to connect tourists with the island’s ecosystems through a new nature trail and educational activities. Marella Cruises volunteers already participated in a tree-planting event, contributing to soil stabilization and biodiversity restoration. Over three years, TUI Forest Rhodes expects to create or sustain 45 jobs through olive grove maintenance and agricultural production, linking restoration work with local economic opportunities.
This project is part of the TUI Care Foundation’s broader TUI Forests Programme, which supports similar initiatives in tourism destinations.
