Greece has taken a significant step towards expanding its marine protected areas, unveiling the boundaries of two new marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean seas. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that these parks will be the largest in the Mediterranean region, aiming to protect a range of marine life, including sea mammals, turtles, seabirds, and seals. The government plans to establish these parks this year, well ahead of its 2030 target to protect 30% of its waters.
Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of these parks, stating, “They will allow us to meet the target … way ahead of schedule. They will be vast sanctuaries for life beneath the waves.” He also noted that trawling of the sea floor will be banned within these zones, highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving marine ecosystems.
The environmental studies on the parks’ boundaries were submitted for public consultation on Monday, with the consultation period set to close on September 22. This move is part of a broader effort to engage stakeholders and ensure transparency in the decision-making process.
However, the planned Aegean Sea park has already stirred tensions between Greece and Turkey, with the two countries at odds over a range of issues, including maritime boundaries. Athens has maintained that the park’s boundaries are within Greece’s territorial waters. In response, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry accused Greece of exploiting environmental issues and stated that the parks would have no legal bearing on disputes between the neighbours. The ministry also announced that Turkey will reveal its own projects for marine life protection in the coming days.
The Aegean park, covering an area of 9,500 square kilometres, will initially expand around the southern Cyclades islands, further south from Turkey. Together with the Ionian Sea park, the total size of the protected areas will be 27,500 square kilometres, with plans to expand them further in the future.
Once the public consultation ends, the Environment Ministry will draft two presidential decrees, which will be submitted to the Council of State by the end of October. The parks will be officially established once the decrees are published.
This development is likely to shape future discussions and actions in the maritime sector, particularly in the Mediterranean region. The establishment of these marine parks could set a precedent for other countries to follow, encouraging the expansion of marine protected areas to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable marine practices.
Moreover, the tensions between Greece and Turkey highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. As both countries navigate their disputes, the maritime industry will be watching closely to see how these issues unfold and what impact they may have on regional stability and cooperation.
In the meantime, the public consultation process offers a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to engage with the Greek government and contribute to the development of these marine parks. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, Greece can ensure that its marine protected areas are effective, sustainable, and widely supported.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the establishment of these parks serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing economic development with environmental conservation. By prioritizing the protection of marine ecosystems, Greece is taking a proactive step towards safeguarding the health of its waters and the species that call them home. This move could inspire other nations to take similar actions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient maritime sector.