Greece Unveils Plans for Largest Mediterranean Marine Parks
Greece plans to establish the largest marine parks in the Mediterranean for wildlife protection, with boundaries set in the Ionian and Aegean Seas. These parks aim to protect sea mammals, turtles, seabirds, and seals, aligning with the goal of securing 30% marine protected areas by 2030.
- Country:
- Greece
Greece announced its intention to establish two major marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas, each aimed at protecting diverse marine life. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that these would be the largest parks in the Mediterranean.
The parks will help Greece achieve its objective of increasing marine protected areas to 30% by the year 2030. These expansive sanctuaries will serve as a refuge for mammals, turtles, seabirds, and seals, with restrictions like banning sea floor trawling to preserve ecosystems.
The Aegean park faces geopolitical sensitivities, particularly with Turkey, given longstanding maritime boundary disputes. Nonetheless, Athens insists the boundaries remain within Greece's territorial waters. Following public consultations, Greece plans to enact these parks through presidential decrees by October.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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