Eastern Attica 2018

2018–2023 | Five years of continuous presence in Eastern Attica, from emergency relief to recovery, prevention and strengthening the region’s resilience.

The devastating wildfire of 23 July 2018 in the Municipalities of Marathon and Rafina-Pikermi left an indelible mark on Eastern Attica, devastating an area stretching from Neos Voutzas and Mati to Kokkino Limanaki and Rafina. The tragedy claimed the lives of 102 people, destroyed hundreds of homes and public spaces, and burned more than five million square metres of land.

From the very first moment, Desmos was present in the affected area. Working closely with residents, local authorities, civil society organisations and public institutions, we identified the community’s real needs and developed an action plan built around three key priorities:

Guided by these priorities, Desmos designed and implemented a five-year recovery and regeneration programme, carried out between 2018 and 2023.

From Emergency Relief to Community Recovery (2018–2019)

In the days immediately following the wildfire, Desmos mobilised to respond to the urgent needs of both residents and volunteers working in the affected area. Through donations from individuals and companies, essential supplies, protective masks, household appliances, medical equipment and other critical items were distributed to affected families and local social welfare organisations.

At the same time, it quickly became clear that genuine recovery required more than emergency assistance. For a community to move forward, it needed to regain the public spaces where people gather, children play, and everyday life can begin again.

Less than a year after the wildfire, Desmos had already completed its first major restoration projects for the local community. These included the redevelopment of the outdoor area of the Mati Nautical Club (NAOMA) and the complete restoration of its historic fountain, as well as the construction of three playgrounds, two basketball courts and one beach volleyball court in Mati and Neos Voutzas.

The Concert That Marked a New Beginning

In September 2019, almost one year after the disaster and following the completion of the first phase of projects, the renovated NAOMA venue hosted a remarkable evening for the entire community.

Anna Vissi, who has long-standing personal ties to Mati, generously offered to perform a free charity concert. More than 3,500 people gathered in a place that only months earlier had symbolised destruction and loss.

The concert became much more than a cultural event. It represented a powerful symbol of hope, recovery and renewal, demonstrating that life could once again return to the area.

From Recovery to Resilience (2020–2022)

Following the completion of the initial recovery phase, Desmos continued its work with projects designed not only to restore what had been lost, but also to strengthen the region’s resilience against future crises.

In 2020, during the first COVID-19 lockdown, Desmos constructed a new 5-a-side football pitch at the facilities of the Neos Voutzas Athletic Club “I Proodos”, creating a modern sports facility now used by hundreds of children and local residents.

During the same period, Desmos donated a crane truck equipped with a grapple to the Municipality of Marathon, significantly enhancing the municipality’s capacity for vegetation clearance and wildfire prevention during the fire season.

For two consecutive years, Desmos also implemented wildfire prevention works, including the clearance of dry grass and flammable vegetation in public areas throughout the Municipality of Marathon. Tree planting initiatives, additional landscaping works and ongoing maintenance of previously completed public spaces ensured that these areas remained functional, safe and valuable gathering places for the local community.

Supporting Those Who Protect the Community (2023)

The final phase of the programme focused on strengthening the area’s emergency response capacity.

Responding to a request from the local community, Desmos donated a fully equipped firefighting vehicle in 2023 to the Marathon Volunteer Forest Firefighters Association (S.E.D.M.), substantially reinforcing its ability to prevent and respond rapidly to wildfires.

This donation marked the completion of a five-year commitment that went beyond restoring the consequences of the wildfire. It represented an investment in the long-term protection of the region and its preparedness for future emergencies.

Five Years of Continuous Commitment

Desmos’ work in Eastern Attica was not a one-off intervention but a long-term commitment that evolved alongside the changing needs of the community.

Beginning with emergency relief, continuing through the restoration of public spaces, and concluding with prevention and civil protection initiatives, every project was designed to create lasting social impact.

Above all, these five years fostered strong relationships of trust with the people of Eastern Attica. For Desmos, recovery is not complete when a project is delivered. Recovery is complete when a community regains its public spaces, restores its confidence and knows it has never been left to face adversity alone.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has stood by us and trusted our mission.

Watch the video for our response in the region of eastern Attica after the fires of 2018: