Mount Mainalo is included in the Deceptive Mountains Institute and has acquired a specially protected status.

By ministerial decision of the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Giorgos Amirasthe opening of a road or the creation of artificial turf is prohibited as a means of protecting its unique biodiversity.

The total area of ​​Mainalos, included in the Lost Mountains, is 44.98 sq. km, an altitude range of 1107 meters (from 730 to 1837 m.) and extends south of the ski center of the region and northwest of the city of Tripoli.

It consists of extensive areas of coniferous forests, mainly forest ecosystems of kefalin fir and black pine, and offers a haven for rare bat species such as Nyctalus leisleri and endemic butterflies. FROMallimorpha quadripunctaria (Rhodian butterfly family).

The area stands out for its richness of endemic and non-reptilian fauna, the Greek lizard Lacerta graeca and the Peloponnesian Podarcis peloponnesiaca, and is also one of the favorite mountains of climbers.

The other seven incomprehensible mountains

To date, huge territories in 7 mountain ranges, with a total area of ​​1042 sq. km., have been declared the Lost Mountains by the same number of ministerial decisions. Especially:

● Lefka Ori 382.06 sq. km. (prefectures of Chania and Rethymnon)

● Saos 97.30 sq. km. (Samotraki)

● Smolikas 102.89 sq. km. (prefectures of Ioannina and Grevena)

● Timfi 202.75 sq. km. (Yanina Prefecture)

● Taygetos 143.23 sq. km. (prefectures of Laconia and Messinia)

● Hatzi 45.61 sq. km. (Trikala Prefecture)

● Uncharted 94.92 sq. km. (Prefectures of Karpenisi and Karditsa)

The initiative of the Ministry of the Environment is scientifically based on the relevant research of the Department of Biological Applications and Technology of the University of Ioannina and Prof. Vasiliki Katya.

According to the ministerial decision, it is allowed to mark, repair, maintain and improve existing walking and walking trails. Ecotourism can be developed in any area that is interesting in terms of biodiversity and landscape aesthetics, contributing to the conservation or creating incentives for the transition to green economic activities such as growing organic crops, promoting traditional products, etc.

Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas made the following statement: “With the inclusion of Mainalos in a pioneering institution ANDtrampled mountains created by our government, we prove once again that the protection of the environment is our main and indisputable priority. This is how we protect biodiversity, effectively fight climate change, and at the same time make our mountains a magnet for Greek citizens and tourists who visit it.”

Deputy Environment and Energy Minister Giorgos Amiras said: “Today, the uniquely beautiful Mount Mainalo joins the family of Deceived Mountains! A year ago, we opened a conservation organization that became a pioneer in Europe. Eight mountains have been given Strict Conservation status, and at least 40 other mountain ranges have been mapped. We are protecting pristine areas and biodiversity in response to the climate crisis.”