Marine Parks Planned in Ionian and Southern Aegean: A Major Step for Ocean Conservation

Greece is moving forward with one of its most ambitious environmental initiatives in recent decades: the creation of two new National Marine Parks covering large marine areas in the Ionian Sea and the Southern Aegean – Cyclades. The Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for both parks were published today by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, setting the technical and legal framework for final designation through Presidential Decrees submitted to the Council of State.

According to official sources, protecting these areas will limit activities that damage ecosystems, such as bottom-contact fishing methods, while including more than 35% of Greek territorial waters under special protection — surpassing the EU target of safeguarding at least 30% of marine areas by 2030.

The vision behind the marine parks goes beyond mere resource management: it aims at the comprehensive conservation of biodiversity and marine habitats, while promoting educational and research initiatives to strengthen the public’s connection with the marine environment. The parks will be linked as a network, offering a more holistic model of protection compared with individual Natura 2000 sites.

To ensure effective management, new branches of the Hellenic Ministry’s Marine Protected Areas Authority have been established in Milos, Amorgos, and Kythira. Monitoring will be strengthened using advanced technology, including drones, underwater sensors, and integrated surveillance systems in collaboration with the Coast Guard and environmental organizations.

The Ministry emphasizes that these measures are not only about ecological protection but also sustainable development, balancing conservation with the economic activities of local communities dependent on the sea.

While widely seen as a positive step, the initiative has previously drawn criticism from neighboring countries, especially regarding unilateral actions in the Aegean, highlighting the need for collaborative approaches to shared maritime zones.

Once the legal procedures are finalized in the coming months, the two new marine parks are expected to reshape the map of marine conservation in Greece, positioning the country as a European leader in protecting marine ecosystems.

Source: pagenews.gr