The Greek Ministry of the Environment and Energy has revoked environmental licenses for three wind power projects in the region of Thrace after an appeal by three environmental organizations. The organizations, including the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the Society for the Protection of Biodiversity of Thrace, and WWF Greece, argued that the environmental impact assessments were not based on the latest data and did not adequately account for the consequences of the devastating 2023 wildfires in the area. The environmental groups are now calling on the ministry to suspend all wind power projects in the affected areas and neighboring areas to protect sensitive protected bird populations. The organizations cited recent incidents of wind turbines damaging or killing protected birds of prey, including a protected vulture and an endangered black vulture. The ministry has acknowledged that project evaluations must consider the impacts of wildfires and the opinions of organizations responsible for managing protected areas.
