Greece Finalizes Natura 2000 Rules for Southern Aegean, Establishing Marine Park
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Greece approved new environmental studies for Natura 2000 areas in the Southern Aegean, establishing the National Marine Park of Southern Cyclades-Nisides.
- The studies define protection zones, land uses, and management measures to preserve ecosystems while allowing compatible human activities.
- They emphasize protecting endangered species like the Mediterranean monk seal and sea turtles, and supporting traditional uses such as agriculture and fishing.
The approval of the Special Environmental Studies (SES) for Natura 2000 areas in the Southern Aegean marks a significant step forward for environmental protection in Greece. These studies, specifically SES 8A and 8B, pave the way for the formal establishment of the National Marine Park of Southern Cyclades-Nisides, a crucial initiative for safeguarding the unique natural wealth of the Cyclades and parts of the Dodecanese.
The approval of the Special Environmental Studies (SES) 8A and 8B for the Natura 2000 network areas of the Southern Aegean was approved yesterday, Tuesday, paving the way for the completion of the institutionalization of the National Marine Park of Southern Aegean 1 – Southern Cyclades.
For the first time, a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework is being established for these protected areas, covering both land and sea. This framework outlines protection zones, permissible land uses, and management strategies, aiming to strike a vital balance between ecosystem preservation and sustainable human activities. This approach recognizes the inherent value of the region's natural heritage while also acknowledging the need for economic viability.
With these new studies, the SES required for the drafting of the Presidential Decree are completed, while they also cover the terrestrial areas of the largest islands of the Park that are included in the Natura 2000 network and were pending, following the approval, at the end of 2025, of the SES for the marine part of the park.
The new regulations place a strong emphasis on protecting critically endangered species, including the Mediterranean monk seal, cetaceans, and sea turtles, as well as the diverse birdlife and endemic island species. Furthermore, sensitive habitats like Posidonia seagrass meadows are given priority, underscoring the ecological significance of the Aegean archipelago.
Thus, for the first time, a clear, coherent and modern framework of rules is being formed for the protected areas in the entire Cyclades, in a part of the Dodecanese as well as in the islets of Falkonera and Velopoula in the Myrtoan Sea.
Crucially, the studies support and protect traditional island practices such as agriculture, livestock farming, beekeeping, and fishing. This ensures that these activities can continue under regulated conditions that preserve the landscape and biodiversity. The recognition and protection of the agricultural character of the islands and their traditional landscapes, including the maintenance and restoration of terraced fields, is particularly noteworthy. This integrated approach reflects a commitment to sustainable development that respects both the environment and the local communities that depend on it.
The studies give particular emphasis to the protection of important endangered species, such as the Mediterranean monk seal, cetaceans and sea turtles, as well as the birdlife and the endemic species of the islets.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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