Product certification in protected and Natura 2000 areas

A Memorandum of Cooperation for the development of a National Certification System for agricultural products produced and provided local services in protected areas and in areas of the NATURA 2000 network, was signed between the Ministries of Environment and Energy, Rural Development and Food, Tourism and the Organization of Natural Environment Change (OFYPEKA).

Certification in protected areas and NATURA areas refers to products produced with ecosystem-friendly practices and methods as well as mild and sustainable development activities, acting as a bulwark against the risk of significant habitat deterioration and wildlife nuisance from uncontrolled growth and tourist activities.

The common goal of the involved Ministries and OFYPEKA is the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity in the rural areas of the network of protected areas, in a broader effort to fully harmonize Greece with the European strategy.

A strategy that focuses on the effort to return nature to agricultural land and to shield the close and reciprocal relationship between natural landscape and human activity, recognizing the vital role of agricultural production and farmers themselves in the protection and biodiversity conservation but also the contribution from the sustainable management of nature to the income of the farmer.

The information and training of the involved producers and entrepreneurs of tourism are undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Tourism respectively, with the latter preparing the strategy of promoting and highlighting certified products in the domestic and international tourism market, including those in the new tourism product of Greek gastronomy.

The Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, George Amyras stated: “The “From Farm to Plate” Strategy , paves the way for increased organic farming and implementation by the Greek side of the European Green Agreement, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Tourism, with a vehicle of OFYPEKA, goes one step closer to the realization of the vision for a system of food and services provided with reduced environmental and climate footprint by 2030, in a broader effort to ensure sustainability in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss.”

The Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, George Stylios, pointed out: “As the Ministry of Agriculture, we undertake the dissemination of the National Certification System for Agricultural Products and Local Services. We are expanding the possibility of support and training of the participating producers in the System with the support tools offered by the CAP Common Agricultural Policy). We are taking care to preserve and enhance biodiversity in the rural areas of the NATURA 2000 network, raising the awareness of farmers on biodiversity issues and informing consumers. This System enables us in making specialized products, produced in areas with rich biodiversity, in order for these to acquire their own brand. This fact gives added nutritional value to Greek products and promotion dynamics, for the creation of a brand name “.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Sofia Zacharaki stressed: “With the Ministry of Environment and Energy and OFYPEKA, a few months ago, we started a national effort to highlight areas of special natural beauty of our country, such as the areas that have joined the Natura 2000 Network. The effort, today, is complemented and strengthened in the best way by expanding our cooperation in the field of certification of products and services produced or provided within these unique areas – which are gems for our country, protecting and shielding them. A key and valuable partner in this effort is the Ministry of Rural Development, which we warmly thank for our fruitful cooperation. Nature, primary production, and tourism finally meet in the most creative and beneficial way for our country.”

The CEO of OFYPEKA, Costas Triantis stated: “The Organization of the Natural Environment and Climate Change has as its mission the protection of the national natural capital in terms of sustainable development. Development for local communities is also a guarantee of success of the goal of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. Certification of products and services produced and offered within protected areas will give them additional value and will contribute substantially to the protection of the Greek Nature and the Greek countryside, while being fully in line with the European Strategies of many sectoral policies (Biodiversity, Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policy, Tourism, European Green Agreement) “.