Environmental Αdministration and its evolution through time

Abstract

The term ‘‘Environmental Administration” involves the totality of state authorities, services and agencies, the tasks and the powers of which are directly linked to the protection and conservation of the environment. This paper aims to present as fully as possible i) the state authorities that handle the protection of the environment on a political level, ii) the way in which the main powers that concern the environment have been assigned between the centralized state administration and the decentralized and regional administration, iii) the particular role of “secondgrade” local administration (municipalities) and iv) the powers and the action of various special function agencies. The presentation of the current administrative organization concerning environmental protection has been done in such a way that one can clearly spot the essential political and legal reasons that have played a part in its formulation throughout the years, starting from the foundation of the Ministry of Planning and Housing in 1980 and until this day. Last but not least, the potential practical utilization of the information included in this paper by those involved scientifically or professionally with the protection of the environment has been one of the main concerns of the author.