ATHENS — "We talk about the environment through our works," Environment and Energy Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said on Friday in a message for World Environment Day. "The environment is our wealth," he stressed.

In this framework, the ministry presented 11 key environmental initiatives in a videotaped message, including:

The shutdown of all lignite-fired power plants by 2023, barring one that will continue operating until 2028.

The end of the second round of the "Save Energy at Home" programme, with 278 million euros, while a new round is being prepared.

The map of power grid interconnections will be completed by 2030, with Crete-Peloponnese scheduled in 2020, Crete – Attica in 2023 and all Cyclades by 2024.

Promoting electromobility via bill providing for incentives for purchases of electric cars, motorbikes and bicycles, and a framework for chargers.

Funding for reforestation projects has reached 100 million euros, and 17 new recycling and waste management units have been launched in the country, as well as a subsidy to connect thousands of homes to the sewer system.

In the near future, a bill will be introduced for the withdrawal of disposable plastics, with time for adjustment, until July 2021.

A new European law for the protection of Natura areas is already being implemented, with increased resources, with special environmental studies, management plans and presidential decrees by the Council of State.

Regarding urban parks and renovations, decisions have already being made for footpaths on Ymittos, Tritsi Park, the special spatial plan for Mati, as well as three interventions that started in Thessaloniki: TIF, former Pavlou Mela Camp, PAOK stadium, while the height of the buildings around the Acropolis is being decreased to 21 meters.