NEWS: Region of Central Greece: Pilot Area for AINATURE

Following the review of all available environmental, hydrological, and institutional data, and in light of the requirements and objectives of the AINATURE project, the Region of Central Greece proposes a specific, well-defined pilot area within the Spercheios River Basin.

Selected Pilot Area: Intermediate Zone from Loutra Ypatis to Kostalexi

The selected pilot area encompasses a linear hydrological zone stretching from the upstream mountain foothills to the lowland floodplain, including the following key locations:

  • Loutra Ypatis (upstream entry from Mt. Oiti)
  • Gorgopotamos (confluence with major tributary)
  • Frantzi (central floodplain monitoring)
  • Kostalexi (urban-adjacent area near Lamia)

This zone represents a hydrologically continuous segment of the Spercheios River system and forms a complete flood risk profile from source to urban fringe.

This region is located within the hydrological unit EL0702 and overlaps with Natura 2000 site GR2440002 in its eastern part.

Justification for Selection

This pilot area has been selected based on the following criteria:

Existing Monitoring Infrastructure

    1. The Region of Central Greece already operates a flood early warning system with four active hydrometeorological stations:
      1. Loutra Ypatis
      2. Gorgopotamos
      3. Frantzi
      4. Kostalexi
    2. These stations provide real-time data on water level, flow, and rainfall, enabling both historical analysis and live forecasting.
  2. Flood Risk Exposure
    1. The area includes flood-prone zones officially designated by national flood hazard maps (EU Floods Directive 2007/60/EC).
    2. Locations such as Frantzi and the wider Lamia plain are repeatedly cited in hydrological assessments as high-risk sectors.
  3. Land Use and Socio-Economic Value
    1. The region includes agricultural land under irrigation schemes (TOEB Moschochoriou), urban edges (Kostalexi), and natural systems (riparian zones).
    2. This diversity allows AI-driven systems to be tested under real-world conditions: farming, drainage, and urban flood management.
  4. Scientific and Administrative Readiness
    1. Previous research projects (KRIPIS – HCMR) and government reports (WFD & SEA) provide a rich data archive for the area.
    2. The Region of Central Greece holds institutional responsibility over the infrastructure and can ensure long-term support.
  5. Ecological Importance
    1. Parts of the area fall within the Natura 2000 site GR2440002, contributing to biodiversity monitoring goals.

 Strategic Fit with AINATURE

The selected area offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Deploy AI technologies on top of an existing regional monitoring framework.
  • Address flood risk and water management through predictive modeling.
  • Showcase how local governments can leverage national and EU data to develop actionable environmental solutions.
  • Ensure replicability and visibility within the ADRION region through a realistic and well-supported use case.

This pilot territory is manageable in size, rich in challenges, and equipped with the minimum necessary infrastructure to implement, test, and scale AINATURE tools.