From Study to Action in North Evia. Cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

BUSINESS: 537 PRACTICES
Lidl Hellas has been active in Greece since 1999. Today the company employs more than 6700 workers, while its network includes 231 stores and 5 state-of-the-art supply centers. It is included for the 9th consecutive year in "The Most Sustainable Companies in Greece", while for the 7th consecutive year it receives the distinction of "Top Employer" in Greece and Europe.
At Lidl Greece we are proud because we build perspective for all our stakeholders, on solid, sustainable foundations. Business ethics are a source of inspiration for our values and the chain of responsibility becomes an act of sustainable empowerment for our own people, consumers, partners.
Sustainability for us is not a simple wording, but shapes our business profile and runs horizontally through our daily life.
We are moving on the trajectory of a new sustainability strategy, which develops in three dynamic axes: "Good for the planet", "Good for people" and "Good for you" with the individual actions spread over six strategic pillars: climate protection, respect for biodiversity, conservation of resources, business law, health protection and participation in dialogue. It is a functional as well as an innovative approach that allows us to respond with best practices, at the right time, to a variety of challenges. We adapt quickly, build efficiency and remain sustainable, extroverted and beneficial to the whole.
Greece has been experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis with increasing intensity in recent years, with the fires of 2021 and 2023 leaving behind enormous damage to natural ecosystems, local communities and infrastructure. The need to rehabilitate affected areas, but also to strengthen resilience to future natural disasters, is urgent. Lidl Hellas, recognizing the magnitude of its responsibility in this national effort, implemented from 2021 to 2024 a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Environment & Environment Protection and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Energy and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), aiming at environmental restoration and strengthening social cohesion.
The initiative was based on three main pillars:
The total investment by Lidl Hellas amounted to EUR 500,000, covering all the actions with a long-term horizon and measurable impact. The initiative was honoured by the AUTH at the "We Walk Together" event (TIF 2024) and by the Ministry of Environment at the "Cooperation for Creation" event (March 2025), recognising its value as a model of cooperation with a substantial social and environmental footprint.
The initiative addresses a wide range of beneficiaries, both directly and indirectly. First and foremost, it targets the local communities in the fire-affected areas of North Evia and Aphidna, Attica, which were dramatically affected by the natural disasters and benefit from the restoration of the natural environment, enhancing safety and preventing future risks. At the same time, it addresses the scientific and academic community, offering a model of applied research with practical value and potential for exploitation by other stakeholders. Furthermore, it addresses public and private actors seeking to implement evidence-based environmental restoration actions, fostering cross-sectoral cooperation. Finally, the initiative serves as an example for the wider society and citizens, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and cooperation in addressing the climate crisis.
The action started in 2021 and ended in 2024, covering all stages from planning and design to project implementation. The duration of the initiative reflects the commitment to long-term environmental restoration and sustainable development.
Lidl Hellas' initiative for the rehabilitation of fire-affected areas is a model of strategic cooperation between the private sector, public administration and the academic community. It was implemented in the period 2021-2024, with a total investment of 500.000 EUR, and was based on the cooperation of Lidl Hellas with the Ministry of Environment & Environment of Greece. Energy and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), and in particular the Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, under the scientific guidance of Professor Thekla Tsitsoni.
This collaboration started from the scientific study stage, ensuring that each intervention is based on evidence-based data and addresses real needs of ecosystems and local communities. The action included:
The initiative was included in the National Reforestation Plan and the "Greece 2.0" programme, and was publicly recognised by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Ministry of Environment, confirming its importance as an example of intersectoral cooperation with a substantial social and environmental impact. Lidl Hellas proved that sustainable development requires synergies, scientific documentation and long-term commitment.
The initiative had a substantial and multi-level impact, both on the natural environment and on local communities. Through the science-based study and pilot reforestation projects, the foundations were laid for the restoration of critical ecosystems, flood prevention and biodiversity conservation. In particular:
A study was funded in collaboration with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Ministry of Environment, which includes a detailed mapping of the condition of burnt areas and proposes targeted interventions based on qualitative and quantitative criteria.
Pilot reforestation and restoration projects were carried out in two areas (North Evia and Afidnes, Attica).
Successful planting of 187,000 trees on a total area of 1,340.80 hectares was ensured.
Local plant species were collected and preserved, enhancing natural regeneration and protecting biodiversity.
Local communities benefit directly from the enhancement of natural protection and environmental resilience, while the action indirectly enhances safety, quality of life and social cohesion. At the same time, the collaboration with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Ministry of Environment has created a model of applied science, with data and methodology that can be used by other institutions in the future. Lidl Hellas highlighted the role that the private sector can play in addressing critical social and environmental challenges, enhancing the trust of citizens and partners.
The action is being implemented in two critical areas: North Evia and Aifnides in Attica, which were affected by major fires. The choice of these areas reflects the need for immediate environmental restoration and enhanced protection of local communities, with the aim of creating a more resilient and sustainable natural environment.
The initiative was implemented through a meaningful collaboration with the Ministry of Environment & Energy, in which the relevant Forestry Services and Forestry Offices of the intervention areas were also involved. At the same time, the scientific documentation and planning was based on the cooperation with the Department of Forestry and Natural Environment of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, under the guidance of Professor Thekla Tsitsoni. This collaboration ensured validity, transparency and efficiency at all stages of the action.
The reforestation action in North Evia is a model of cooperation between the public and private sectors, demonstrating how partnership with scientific and institutional actors can provide effective solutions to environmental and social challenges. Through Lidl Hellas' collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, a common vision for restoring natural wealth and strengthening the resilience of local communities was created. This initiative is at the core of Lidl Hellas' sustainability strategy, which prioritises climate protection and community empowerment. The benefits of the action go beyond environmental restoration, enhancing social cohesion, security and hope for a sustainable future, through a model of cooperation that can be a guide for the industry and society at large.