Eleven Greek non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ahead of World Environment Day on Thursday, warning of worsening environmental degradation and calling for urgent policy action.

“Greece is changing – but not for the better,” the NGOs wrote, urging the government to accelerate the transition to clean energy, implement coherent land-use planning, and strengthen protections for environmentally sensitive areas.

“Nature is not an obstacle to development. It is the foundation of our existence and a prerequisite for quality of life,” the letter said.

The groups criticized a range of government policies, citing unregulated construction, growing tourism pressures on islands, inadequate wildfire prevention, and continued fossil fuel exploration – including in Natura 2000 protected areas – as signs of environmental backsliding.

They also pointed to Greece’s repeated convictions by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over environmental violations and accused the government of disregarding its international obligations.

Among the signatories were WWF Greece, Greenpeace, Arcturos, and the Hellenic Ornithological Society.

“The time for action is now,” the NGOs said. “If we want to have a reason to celebrate World Environment Day in the future, we must act today.”