Philodassiki* Society of Athens was founded in 1899 with the mission to reforest barren lands, foster an appreciation for forests, and safeguard the natural environment. The society was established by then-Minister of Finance Fokion Negris, engineer Andreas Kordellas, and forester Konstantinos Samios.
*Philodassiki (Greek: Φιλοδασική /filoðasiˈci/) derives from the Greek words "philos/φίλος" meaning "friend" and "dasos/δάσος" meaning "forest", suggesting an affinity for forests and a love for nature.
In its early years, Philodassiki spearheaded the reforestation of hills in and around Athens. To achieve this, it established a nursery in the central Pagrati area, on land donated by the Petraki Monastery.
This nursery, equipped with wells, reservoirs, and a steam-powered pump, gradually expanded into today’s “Alsos Pagratiou”, covering 30,000 m2 (approximately 7.4 acres). In 1936, the nursery was ceded to the Municipality of Athens. The plants from this nursery facilitated the planting of Lycabettus Hill, Philopappou Hill, Ardittos Hill, the Hill of the Nymphs, Pnyx Hill, and the slopes of the Acropolis.
After World War II, in 1945, the former president of Philodassiki, Kaity Argyropoulou, returned from the Middle East to find Mount Hymettus severely deforested due to logging during the occupation. Recognizing the urgent threat of permanent damage, she collaborated with the Forestry Services of the Ministry of Agriculture to restore the area. This revitalized the society’s efforts, initiating extensive reforestation centered around the then-ruined Byzantine Monastery of Kaisariani. Over 3 million plants were planted across an area of approximately 6,000,000 m2 (about 1,480 acres). Quarry sites were covered and planted, forest roads were constructed, rest areas were developed, and herds of grazing goats and sheep were removed. The Historical Olive Grove surrounding the monastery, once depicted in travelers’ engravings, was also replanted, and a small Botanical Garden was created, featuring a rich collection of wild herbs, aromatic and medicinal plants, shrubs, and trees native to Greece. These efforts transformed the area into a sanctuary of natural beauty and tranquility for the residents of Athens.
As recognition for these achievements, the Greek State ceded the reforested areas to Philodassiki. Additionally, the area was further legally safeguarded by Presidential Decree 91/1974, which designated it as an 'Aesthetic Forest' due to its exceptional beauty and ecological significance.
In creating the Mt Hymettus Aesthetic Forest, Philodassiki also safeguarded significant archaeological sites within the region. Between 1952 and 1955, with funding and coordination from the Society and in collaboration with the Archaeological Society at Athens under the guidance of Professors Anastasios Orlandos and Ioannis Travlos, the Byzantine Monastery of Kaisariani (11th century) was restored, including the post-Byzantine frescoes by conservator Tasos Margaritov. The society later restored the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Kynigos.
In 1956, again collaborating with the Archaeological Society at Athens and archaeologist Ioannis Travlos, Philodassiki embarked on the excavation and partial restoration of the Olympieion, which had fallen into neglect. After the excavation, the surrounding area was landscaped and planted with trees and shrubs.
In 1984, under the presidency of Michael G. Melas, the society launched an ambitious campaign to save the unique Petrified Forest of Lesvos. Neglected and unresearched until 1980, this natural monument, approximately 20 million years old, required significant advocacy and support. Philodassiki coordinated and funded this long-term campaign for its protection and promotion, involving the University of Athens and raising awareness among government bodies. Their initiative laid the groundwork for the creation of the modern-day Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest in Sigri, later built by the Ministry of the Aegean.
From 1997 to 2002, Philodassiki, in partnership with the Holy Metropolis of Chios, undertook the reforestation of 700,000 m2 (approximately 173 acres) of burned land surrounding the historic Nea Moni of Chios (10th century).
In 2003, the society studied the “cottony secretion” phenomenon affecting Greek pine forests, caused by the insect Marchalina hellenica. In October of that year, the society organized a scientific conference with leading experts to reveal the devastating impact of the insect and the role of some beekeeping cooperatives in its artificial spread for profit. When the Ministry of Rural Development refused to cooperate, Philodassiki independently initiated legal measures and informed the European Union, highlighting the lack of protection for Natura 2000 sites from the uncontrolled spread of M. hellenica. Their efforts led to the listing of the insect by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization, paving the way for its prohibition in Europe.
Throughout its history, Philodassiki has been repeatedly honored for its work by the Academy of Athens (1947, 1976), the European Commission (1994), the Henry Ford Foundation (1996/97), and the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (2007).
Today, Philodassiki continues its vital work with consistency and dedication, aiming to protect forests and the environment from all forms of destruction and encroachment. At the same time, it promotes environmental awareness through research programs and educational activities, seeking to inform and raise awareness among people of all ages. Furthermore, it contributes to the preservation and promotion of monuments and sites with historical, religious, and architectural significance. As the responsible managing body of the Mt Hymettus Aesthetic Forest, Philodassiki cares for it continuously, highlighting its importance for our cultural and environmental heritage.