Greece has announced plans to create two expansive national marine parks—one in the Aegean Sea and another in the Ionian Sea—signalling a significant step forward in its environmental protection strategy. The move is part of the country's efforts to meet international biodiversity targets by 2030 and will expand Greece’s marine protected areas from 22% to 30% of its territorial waters.

Aegean and Ionian zones

The two proposed parks will encompass over 12% of Greece’s marine territory. The Aegean park will cover nearly 7% and the Ionian park around 5.5%. Together, these zones are expected to help safeguard vital ecosystems, such as Posidonia seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and cetacean habitats.

Focus on preservation

Announced by Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis, the initiative aims to protect threatened species like the Mediterranean monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle, and to strengthen conservation frameworks in ecologically sensitive areas. The ministry said fishing, tourism and shipping activities would be regulated within the new parks, with strict no-take zones established.

Environmental diplomacy

The Aegean park also carries geopolitical weight, as it will extend into contested maritime zones between Greece and Turkey. While Greek authorities stress the parks are intended for ecological preservation, Turkish officials have raised concerns that the initiative might infringe upon disputed maritime boundaries.

EU funding and oversight

The parks are expected to be co-financed by the European Union and closely monitored under the European Green Deal framework. Implementation will include local stakeholder engagement and scientific monitoring to ensure compliance and conservation efficacy.

Expert backing

The announcement has been welcomed by conservationists and marine scientists. "This is a positive and necessary step for the eastern Mediterranean," said Dimitris Poursanidis of the Foundation for Research and Technology. "Long-term success will depend on robust enforcement and cooperation among coastal communities."