TUI Care Foundation Announces Major Forest Planting Initiative on Rhodes

Following the devastating forest fires on Rhodes in the summer of 2023, a new habitat for nature and biodiversity is being created around the Panagia Ypseni Monastery.

As part of the new TUI Forest Rhodes project, new trees and plants are being planted across a total area of 80,000 square metres to regenerate the landscape, which was severely damaged by the fire. The project is funded by the TUI Care Foundation with support from TUI staff, the Rhodes Co-Lab and donations from TUI guests.

The Greek Orthodox monastery of Panagia Ypseni is one of the places that was particularly hard hit by the fires. The surrounding vegetation was almost completely destroyed. Today, the monastery is at the heart of the reforestation efforts and symbolises a new beginning for the region. Together with local partners, olive, carob, cypress and cedar trees are being planted there. The selected species are intended to strengthen the resilience of the ecosystem whilst creating new habitats for flora and fauna.

“The TUI Forest on Rhodes combines nature conservation with a long-term commitment to the region. The aim is to support the natural regeneration of the landscape and make a sustainable contribution to the preservation of biodiversity on Rhodes,” said TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel.

The project demonstrates how joint action by local stakeholders, organisations and supporters can help to strengthen areas affected by the consequences of extreme natural events in the long term and preserve them for future generations.

The TUI Forest on Rhodes is part of the Rhodes Co-Lab, a joint initiative between the South Aegean Region and the TUI Group aimed at promoting more sustainable tourism on Rhodes. The reforestation area is situated in the immediate vicinity of a nature reserve and plays a key role in restoring habitats for numerous animal species.

A total of 3,060 trees will be planted, including 2,000 olive trees, 500 carob trees, 500 cypresses and 60 zitia trees. In addition, a modern irrigation and fire protection infrastructure is being developed, along with an education and information centre funded by the South Aegean Regional Government, which will in future bring together environmental education, voluntary work and visitor programmes.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the project also creates tangible social and economic opportunities for the region. The restoration of these areas helps to reduce soil erosion, promote biodiversity and strengthen the landscape’s resilience to future fires. At the same time, around 45 jobs are being created or safeguarded, whilst the local population gains a long-term source of income through the management of the new olive groves. Together with the local project partner Gia Ti Fisi and numerous volunteers, TUI Forest Rhodes also aims to offer visitors the opportunity to actively experience the island’s natural environment and get involved in its protection themselves.