Gyaros Marine Protected Area: a milestone for monk seal conservation in Greece

Gyaros Marine Protected Area: a milestone for monk seal conservation in Greece

The Monk Seal Alliance welcomes the recent adoption by the Greek Government of the Presidential Decree establishing the Marine Protected Area of Gyaros — a major step forward for the long-term protection of the Mediterranean monk seal and its habitat.  

A decade-long collective effort

The Gyaros project stands as one of the most emblematic conservation initiatives for the species in the Mediterranean. Since 2011, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Segré Foundation have supported the development of this initiative alongside WWF Greece, MOm, and the Tethys Research Institute. This long-term engagement has contributed to the progressive establishment of a science-based, participatory management approach, combining species conservation, habitat protection, and the regulation of human activities.

A key milestone was the launch of the four-year CYCLADES LIFE programme, coordinated by WWF Greece, and bringing together a broad coalition of partners, including:

• the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change
• the Decentralized Administration of the Aegeanthe Cyclades Development Company
• Harokopio UniversityTethys Research Institute
• MOm / The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal

Over the years, the project has evolved through several phases:

• Initial design and scientific groundwork, including the identification of critical habitats and key threats
• Implementation of an ecosystem-based management model, with strong involvement of local stakeholders, particularly the fishing community
• Strengthening of surveillance and enforcement capacities, notably through innovative remote monitoring systems
• Progressive integration into national conservation frameworks
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This sustained effort has helped position Gyaros as a reference site for monk seal conservation, hosting one of the most important populations of the species in the Mediterranean.  

A major step towards long-term protection

The adoption of the Presidential Decree formally establishes the legal framework for the protection and management of the Gyaros Marine Protected Area. This milestone reflects:

• the maturity of the conservation model developed over the past decade
• the successful alignment between NGOs, scientific institutions, donors, and public authorities
• the commitment of the Greek Government to strengthening marine conservation efforts

It also provides a critical foundation to ensure:

• the long-term protection of monk seal breeding and resting sites
• the effective management of human pressures, including fisheries
• the continuity of monitoring and conservation actions 

From pilot site to national and regional model

The Gyaros experience has played a key role in informing broader conservation strategies for the species. It has contributed to shaping:

• the approach promoted by the Monk Seal Alliance, focused on coordinated, science-based action
• ongoing efforts to strengthen marine protected area management in Greece, in close collaboration with national authorities, including NECCA

As a next step, ensuring the effective implementation of the management measures and maintaining strong coordination among stakeholders will be essential to consolidate these achievements. 

The Monk Seal Alliance warmly congratulates all partners involved in this collective effort and looks forward to continuing supporting actions that contribute to the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal and its habitat across its range.