Athens municipality adds 229 trees and shade to 43 schoolyards

The Municipality of Athens has completed a greening programme across 43 schoolyards in the city. The work, carried out by the Directorate of Greenery and Urban Fauna, installed 229 new trees, 1,238 shrubs and a range of flower plants, created school gardens and fitted shading systems. The interventions were designed with direct input from teachers and students, who helped select planting sites and garden layouts.

The project is part of the EU‑funded ASCEND pilot, aimed at improving neighbourhood climate resilience by enhancing green infrastructure, energy use and mobility. Deputy Mayor for Environment and Greenery George Apostolopoulos highlighted the need for more green space in schools, while the President of Development Athens Vangelis Marinakis stressed that such measures strengthen the city’s ability to cope with heat and the climate crisis.