EU approves €15M Greek Marine Protection Plan

The European Commission has officially approved Greece’s fourth LIFE Strategic Integrated Project (SIP), aimed at advancing marine environmental protection across the country’s seas.

The eight-year initiative, named LIFE SIP GR Blue, will be coordinated by the Greek Ministry of Environment and focuses on enhancing marine biodiversity, establishing new protected areas, and modernizing governance tools in line with EU environmental targets.

With a total budget of €15 million, the program will be funded with €9 million from the European Union and €6 million from Greece’s Green Fund.

Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou welcomed the decision, stating: “Greece takes another step to strengthen marine policy and environmental governance.”

Expanding Marine Parks

The project will oversee the management of Greece’s two existing marine parks, while also supporting the creation of two new parks—one in the Ionian Sea and another in the Southern Cyclades. These efforts contribute to the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the European Green Deal goals.

15 Partners, One Vision

With participation from 15 national and regional partners, LIFE SIP GR Blue also includes innovative policy tools, improved marine surveillance, and habitat restoration plans. The program aims to serve as a model for integrated marine conservation throughout the Mediterranean.