Dimitris Kouretas proposes Independent Environmental Health Authority in Volos

Dimitris Kouretas, the Regional Governor of Thessaly, has proposed the establishment of an Independent Authority for Environmental Health to be headquartered in Volos. The proposal aims to create a formal institutional mechanism to address the critical link between environmental conditions and public health, a connection recognized by the European Union and international organizations such as the WHO and FAO.

The proposed authority would function as a public body overseen by the Ministries of Environment, Health, and Rural Development. Its primary objectives include protecting human health from environmental risks, assessing the impact of environmental factors on health, and providing scientific and technical support to the State and local government agencies.

Key responsibilities would involve conducting studies and analyses, monitoring risks from pollutants such as pesticides, dioxins, and furans, and evaluating threats from industry, transport, and agriculture. To ensure transparency, the proposal suggests that all recommendations and opinions issued by the Authority be made public, alongside an annual report submitted to the government and Parliament. The governing Board would include representatives from relevant ministries as well as professional and environmental organizations.