A total of 43 schoolyards across all municipal districts of Athens received green interventions, including new plantings, school gardens and the installation of shading systems. The upgrades included the planting of 229 new trees, 1,238 shrubs and flowering plants in selected areas. Athens Deputy Mayor for Environment and Greenery Giorgos Apostolopoulos said schools are spaces of gathering, play and everyday life that require more greenery. “Schools are spaces of meeting, play and daily life, which is why they need more green areas. We are continuing and intensifying our efforts for greener schools, while also strengthening urban greenery and the environmental education of our children,” Apostolopoulos said.