Humanitarian Crisis Relief
Piraeus has made it a priority to support local communities affected by natural disasters, acknowledging its central role in environmental sustainability and resilience. With an emphasis on social responsibility and support for those affected, the Bank implements relief programmes aimed at supporting residents and businesses that have suffered damage from natural disasters, while actively contributing to the restoration of affected natural landscapes. These actions reflect Piraeus’ commitment to the environment and social well-being, strengthening the resilience of the areas facing the effects of climate change.
More specifically, to support the areas of Northern Euboea which were hit by devastating wildfires, Piraeus launched initiatives aimed at primary and secondary school students, as well as university students from these areas, offering scholarships and logistical support to assist in the reconstruction and development of Northern Euboea.
Piraeus participated in the restoration of Mount Parnitha, following the devastating fire of August 2023, by funding a survey and the implementation of erosion- and flood-control projects across an area of 9,000 stremmas, contracting the work to forestry cooperatives. This initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Forests and the Forest Environment under the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, which selected Piraeus as the Contractor for Restoration and Reforestation in the area of Mount Parnitha.
In Evros, where wildfires caused widespread destruction to the natural and economic environment, Piraeus donated approximately 20 tons of bee feed to affected beekeepers in Soufli. From the outset, the Bank has stood by the farmers and livestock breeders who suffered losses. Its initiative was implemented at a critical moment, as without the provision of feed, there would have been a risk to the bee population, honey production, and, by extension, the regeneration of the local ecosystem. Furthermore, in collaboration with Democritus University of Thrace, Piraeus is spearheading the restoration of the Soufli Beekeeping Park, which was completely destroyed by the fires.
In response to the need to rebuild and upgrade infrastructure in the affected areas of Thessaly following the devastating floods of 2023, Piraeus participated in the initiative of the Hellenic Bank Association, co-funding a survey aimed at the complete modernization of the irrigation network and flood protection for the Thessalian plain. In addition, the Bank carried out further actions to support the residents of Thessaly, such as providing school supplies and essential items, as well as relief measures regarding their loan obligations (e.g., freezing instalments until the end of the year, etc.). These measures served as a bridge that allowed households and businesses to return to normalcy.
Piraeus supports the restoration of Penteli, whose residents suffered significant losses in natural resources and infrastructure due to the 2024 wildfires. It immediately announced relief measures for its affected customers and has assisted in the restoration of Penteli by funding a survey and the implementation of erosion- and flood-control projects, once again contracting the works to forestry cooperatives. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Forests and the Forest Environment under the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, which selected Piraeus as the Contractor for Restoration and Reforestation in the Penteli area.
These specific relief actions reflect Piraeus’ vision for a sustainable and resilient environment, by pursuing environmental restoration and supporting local communities at every stage of the restoration process.