Examining the opportunities for nature-based solutions at the Municipality of Piraeus

Abstract

Piraeus, the third largest city within Greece constitutes one of the most significant ports in the east Mediterranean region. Inhabited since 2,600 B.C. Piraeus evolved to serve as the seaport of Athens that hosted a powerful commercial and military fleet and fortified the city during classical antiquity. Remains of Piraeus past prominence is evident through the numerous archaeological findings found throughout the city. The commercial significance of Piraeus continued in modern history soon after the establishment of the Greek state. Various interventions that included the development of the Athens-Piraeus railway line in 1869, the development of the railway link between Piraeus and the Peloponnese and northern Greece, as well as the development of the Corinth Canal in 1893 contributed in increasing port-traffic and initiating industrial development. The rapid urbanisation and industrialisation process resulted in the city’s environmental degradation. In recent years Piraeus has been subjected to further degradation through de-industrialisation and downsizing of the trade industry. Nature-based solutions (NBS) aim to integrate more nature, natural features and processes within cities, landscapes and seascapes while providing environmental, economic and social benefits and contributing to building resilience. The public authorities together with the stakeholders from the private sector and civil society co- design, create and manage green infrastructure for post-industrial regeneration. The study presented constitutes part of the “proGIreg” project funded by the European Commission programme “Horizon 2020”. A detailed site analysis of the Municipality of Piraeus was undertaken under four thematic headings: Socio-cultural inclusiveness, Human health and wellbeing, Ecological and environmental restoration, Economic and labour market. The main findings of the spatial analysis are presented which lead to the identification of two sites for the use of NBS.