Minister Signs Presidential Decree for New South Aegean Marine Park

Minister Signs Presidential Decree for New South Aegean Marine Park Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou signed the Presidential Decree establishing the "South Aegean Marine Park 1 – South Cyclades," which will now move to the Council of State for final approval. A similar decree establishing the Ionian Marine Park is set to follow in the coming weeks, placing Greece at the forefront of marine biodiversity protection within the European Union. According to Minister Papastavrou, the EU requires member states to protect 30% of their marine waters by 2030, but Greece is on track to surpass 35% by early 2027.

To ensure effective enforcement, the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) has taken delivery of the Syrna, the first of three state-of-the-art patrol vessels funded via the Recovery and Resilience Facility. OFYPEKA is also expanding its operational framework with a new General Directorate and over 300 permanent staff members tasked with safeguarding protected marine areas nationwide.

Source: https://www.protothema.gr/greece/article/1851350/papastaurou-upegrafi-to-proedriko-diatagma-gia-to-thalassio-parko-notiou-aigaiou-1-noties-kuklades/