Restoration of degraded mountain areas for flood risk mitigation

The Greek Forest Service restored degraded mountain areas, notably the Metsovitos torrent catchment (2,696 hectares), between 1955 and 1960 by building over 1,000 check-dams, 70 gabion walls, and planting 1.8 million seedlings, significantly reducing downstream flooding. These efforts, validated by a 2004 study, were later undermined by funding cuts in the 2000s. Recent extreme weather events like storms 'Ianos' (2020) and 'Elias' (2023) have intensified the need to revive such projects. Recommendations include securing funding via LIFE+ or INTERREG, integrating new technologies like taller dams for firefighting reserves, and establishing long-term monitoring. Mountain-based restoration remains critical for combating desertification and climate-driven disasters, especially as large-scale plain dams are less effective. Regional promotion and personnel training are essential for future resilience.