Institution name: Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

Acronym: PAMTH

Website: www.pamth.gov.gr

About

The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (PAMTH) constitutes one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece, serving as a key institutional authority at the regional level. PAMTH is entrusted with the strategic formulation, planning, and implementation of comprehensive policies aimed at fostering the economic, social, and environmental development of the region. Supported by highly qualified human resources and advanced technical infrastructure, the Region exercises jurisdiction over spatial and regional planning, environmental protection, natural resource management, civil protection, and disaster risk mitigation. Moreover, PAMTH coordinates and executes European Union and national funding programs, actively promoting innovation, sustainable development, and the enhancement of critical sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, and public health. The Region maintains robust collaborations with local authorities, academic and research institutions, and the private sector, thereby facilitating interregional cooperation and encouraging active civic engagement. Through this integrated and multidimensional approach, PAMTH is committed to improving the quality of life of its inhabitants, ensuring equitable allocation of resources, and safeguarding a resilient and sustainable future for the region.  

Role in project

PAMTH acts as a Partner collaborating with the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) on the implementation a large-scale pilot replication for the NATURE-DEMO purposes. It contributes essential information and data necessary for the successful execution of the project. Additionally, PAMTH will assist in the development and evaluation of the project’s key deliverables.

Main Responsibilities: The primary responsibility is collaboration with the project partner of NATURE-DEMO, Democritus University of Thrace. This includes providing support, sharing data, disseminating and exchanging information, scientific data, and best practices, as well as reviewing the project’s deliverables.

Key Activities: Within the framework of the project, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, in collaboration with Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), will implement a large-scale pilot replication at the national level, adapting successful solutions that have already been tested in other European regions.
This action aims to highlight green and sustainable interventions that enhance infrastructure resilience, improve quality of life, and contribute to the transition towards a safer and more sustainable environment. 

Expertise and Resources: Adoption of environmental engineering principles and legislation in the execution of technical works, and their application in urban planning and land-use design.

Expected Contributions: Management of information and generated experience concerning the environmental dimension of spatial-scale planning, from the perspective of the NBS approach.

Collaboration with Partners: Regular meetings with the project partner, Democritus University of Thrace, and participation in project partner meetings. On-site visits to demo sites are of particular importance for direct understanding and practical application of NBS strategies. 

The team

Maria Chamitidou

Current Position: Head of the Directorate for Environment and Spatial Planning
Educational Background: Diploma in Rural and Surveying Engineering, MSc in Hydraulic Engineering
Relevant Work Experience: Extensive and long-standing professional experience as an engineer in the public sector. I served in the Directorate of Technical Works, specifically in the Department of Environmental Structures, where I was involved in the design, supervision, and management of hydraulic and environmental infrastructure projects. My professional background includes significant expertise in: Flood protection and river regulation works, River and stream delineation and management, Monitoring the development of Flood Risk Management Plans and River Basin, Management Plans Coastal erosion assessment and mitigation measures, Environmental and spatial planning issues related to water management. During the past year, I have been appointed Head of the Directorate for Environment and Spatial Planning, where I coordinate environmental and land-use planning policies, oversee environmental permitting, and support sustainable regional development initiatives.
Responsibilities in the project: Collaboration with the project partners and support of the development and review of the main project deliverables.

Stefanos Exouzidis

Current Position:  Employee of the Spatial Planning Department, Directorate of Environment and Spatial Planning of Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace Region
Educational Background: Civil engineer – National Technical University (Athens) – MSc Hydraulic Mechanics (Democritus University of Thrace)
Responsibilities in the project: Collaboration with the project partners and support of the development and review of the main project deliverables