Greece to Establish Marine Parks in Ionian and Aegean Seas Despite Turkey's Objections

Greece has announced plans to create two large marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean seas by the end of 2023, covering over 22,000 square kilometers and aiming to protect seabirds and marine mammals. The parks are part of a €780 million program to safeguard biodiversity and marine ecosystems in Greek waters.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that Greece is exercising its sovereign rights based on international law in establishing the marine protected areas. "Greece is proceeding with the creation of the marine parks, as it is exercising its sovereignty and rights based on international law," Mitsotakis said.

However, the move has faced strong objections from neighboring Turkey. The Turkish Defense Ministry declared that it will not accept "unilateral conditions" in the Aegean islands, whose sovereignty Turkey claims has not been determined by international treaties. Turkey has vowed to take diplomatic actions and protect its rights and interests in the Aegean" to prevent Greece's attempts to establish what it sees as a unilateral regime.

Why this matters: The dispute over the marine parks highlights the ongoing tensions between Greece and Turkey regarding maritime rights and sovereignty in the Aegean Sea. The outcome of this issue could have significant implications for the delicate balance of power and diplomatic relations in the region.

Despite Turkey's opposition, Mitsotakis has reaffirmed Greece's commitment to international maritime law and environmental protection. The Greek government plans to proceed with the creation of the marine parks as part of its broader efforts to expand marine protected zones to cover 30% of the country's territorial waters. The €780 million program also includes measures to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution in Greek waters and ban harmful fishing practices like bottom trawling in all marine protected areas.

Mitsotakis acknowledged that the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations does not mean Turkey's positions regarding the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) have changed, which remain "deeply problematic" for Greece. The Greek Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on May 13th in an effort to ease tensions between the two countries over maritime rights, but the atmosphere created by Ankara's response to the marine parks is weighing heavily on the planned talks.

Key Takeaways

• Greece plans to create two large marine parks by end of 2023, covering 22,000 sq km.
• Turkey objects, claiming Greece's move violates its sovereignty in the Aegean Sea.
• The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Greece and Turkey over maritime rights.
• Greece's €780M program aims to protect biodiversity and reduce pollution in its waters.
• Planned Greece-Turkey talks in May may be affected by tensions over the marine parks.