World Earth Day and Coca-Cola in Greece contributes to the climate resilience of Trikala

Characteristically, just a few months ago, in September 2023, Thessaly was hit twice in the same month by flooding phenomena, the most recent being a consequence of the bad weather Daniel. This has resulted in significant losses – both in agricultural production, agricultural facilities and fauna, as well as, among other things, in public infrastructure, residences and businesses in the region. In fact, this fact, combined with the climate crisis, which intensifies rainfall patterns and extreme weather events, highlighted the need for the creation of integrated flood protection projects, not only in the region of Thessaly, but also in Greece in general.

Given, moreover, that the consequences of flood phenomena are multifaceted, it is clear that the synergies for the creation of anti-flood projects are a matter of preserving Greek society itself, which a day such as World Earth Day – but also every separate day – does not it could but become widely known.

A flood prevention project of great importance for the society of Thessaly – and not only

Taking into account the above, Coca-Cola in Greece proves in practice that it remains next to the residents of Thessaly affected by the bad weather Daniel, from the very first moment of the disaster in September 2023 until today. How does it make this commitment a reality? Recognizing the necessity of creating infrastructure projects with the aim of strengthening the resilience of the wider region in the face of the climate crisis, with the announcement of an important anti-flood project in Trikala.

The project, in fact, is the result of synergies, as it is implemented by Coca-Cola in Greece in collaboration with the International Organization Global Water Partnership – Mediterranean (GWP-Med), with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation. And thus, it essentially complements the projects already implemented by the municipality and the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Trikala (DEVAT).

The project was presented at a special event held in Trikala, while its significant impact was also discussed, in the presence of the Mayor Mr. Nikos Sakkas, the Deputy Regional Governor P.E. Ms. Chrysas Dintis of Trikala, the President of DEVAT Mr. Christos Blougouras, the Technical Project Manager of GWP-Med Mr. Nikos Skondras, the General Manager of Coca-Cola Hellas Mr. Stavros Mourelatos and the General Manager of Coca-Cola Tria Epsilon Ms. Maria Anargyrou Nikolics.

Everything that flood protection includes work

The technical anti-flood project concerns the installation of a rainwater removal pipeline from the area of ​​Bara to the trench of Balkoura of Trikala. After all, this is one of the areas in which significant damage was caused by the floods. The aim of the project is to protect against possible extreme weather events in the future, offering a solution to the long-term problem of flooding that the region is facing.

Delimiting the time frame, an international tender will be held for the award of the anti-flood project, which is expected to be published within the month. In parallel with the implementation of the project, the international organization GWP-Med will proceed with the implementation of actions that empower local bodies, as well as educational actions for school education in Trikala, in order to promote the proper management of water resources. The ultimate goal, the awareness of citizens, the adoption of good practices and the promotion of adaptation to the effects of the climate crisis.

It is worth noting that this is the first private-public partnership project after the floods that hit Thessaly, being at the same time an initiative which, with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation, further strengthens the commitment of Coca-Cola in Greece in terms of supporting local communities and making a substantial contribution to the recovery of communities after natural disasters.

The importance of the project

On the part of the contributors who are behind this – of great importance – project for Thessaly (and not only), it is Mr. Stavros Mourelatos, General Manager of Coca-Cola Hellas, who stated in this regard: “For us at Coca-Cola, it is important to focus on the ‘next day’ and implement projects that shield areas threatened by the devastating effects of extreme events. One such initiative is the anti-flood project in Trikala, which we are implementing with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation”.

Mr. Nikos Sakkas, Mayor of Trikkaia, pointed out that the offer of Coca-Cola in Greece to the citizens is a reason for hope and optimism, while he also commented on the immediate response shown by the company’s executives, the desire to offer substantial help and support, as well as the completion of the projects already implemented by the Municipality and DEVAT. These are elements that make this initiative stand out. “On behalf of all Trikaline citizens and especially on behalf of the children, to whom we owe a better tomorrow, I would like to say a big “thank you” to the executives of Coca-Cola Hellas, Coca-Cola Tria Epsilon, The Coca -Cola Foundation as well as to the international organization Global Water Partnership – Mediterranean for the implementation of this important collaboration”, he added among other things.

Coca-Cola at the side of local communities through continuous actions and initiatives

The specific anti-flood project is not the first initiative of Coca-Cola in Greece for the residents of Thessaly. The company, from the first moment, carried out targeted actions of immediate relief and support for the citizens, such as the donation of two million bottles of AYRA water, the organization of a concert, dedicated to the students of Thessaly, to collect school supplies and clothing, as well as the implementation of voluntary actions by Coca-Cola employees to support local needs.

At the same time, collaborating with the Bodosaki Foundation and Doctors of the World, it supported a comprehensive five-month program of psychosocial and medico-pharmaceutical assistance for the affected people of Thessaly, through a mobile unit that carries out both organized visits to villages and door-to-door visits for vulnerable groups .

It is a fact that the need for anti-flood projects cannot be underestimated. In this light, collaborations like this one between Coca-Cola in Greece and Global Water Partnership – Mediterranean, with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation, and initiatives to support society and strengthen climate resilience, only a positive “sign ” they may have for the future of the country.

So on this year’s World Earth Day, let’s follow Coca-Cola’s example and contribute to a greener planet.