Vrilissia municipality requires 200 new trees for every one removed

The Vrilissia municipal council in Greece approved a new regulation requiring developers to plant at least 200 trees for every single tree removed to build a structure.

Mayor Giannis Pisimisis proposed the measure to establish a stricter precedent for urban greenery protection. The municipality will use its Green Service department to study and recommend specific locations and types of trees for these compensations.

This policy ensures that the loss of a single tree results in a much larger environmental gain, moving beyond simple technical permits to a clear environmental requirement. The mayor also plans to lobby the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE) and the relevant ministry to change the national legislative framework. He wants the local municipal body to decide on tree removal before any construction licenses are issued.

Currently, the municipality seeks to intervene earlier in the process to ensure that urban greenery is a primary consideration rather than a secondary issue for builders. The municipality intends to update the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) and the Building Service about these requirements. These actions aim to ensure that the municipality is informed of all potential tree removals before they occur, allowing for a proactive role in environmental management.