On October 30, 2025, L'Oréal Hellas inaugurated the first Micro Forest in the heart of Athens, located on the historic Alepotrypa hill in Ano Kypseli. This innovative initiative is part of the global 'L'Oréal for the Future' program, aimed at supporting sustainable development and enhancing urban biodiversity.
The concept of micro forests was developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, who created a method for rapidly growing forests in urban environments. The project in Athens involved planting 5,000 trees, shrubs, and grasses, primarily using endemic or native species to foster a resilient ecosystem that enriches the local flora and fauna.
With a long-term vision, the micro forest is expected to grow rapidly and will resemble a 20-30 year old forest in about a decade, supporting over 10,000 plants. This new green space is projected to lower local temperatures by up to 6 degrees Celsius, combatting the urban heat island effect, while absorbing approximately 3,300 kg of CO2 annually from its tenth year onward.
L'Oréal's Country Managing Director, Alessandra Delfini, emphasized the project's significance as part of the company's sustainability strategy, which seeks to implement innovative initiatives that respect planetary limits. The local community has warmly embraced the project, highlighting the collaborative efforts between L'Oréal, the City of Athens, and residents to create green spaces that enhance sustainability and provide multiple benefits to the city.
This initiative marks the beginning of a more beautiful and sustainable future for Athens.