Greece proposes joint Marine Park with Türkiye in the Aegean
Former European Commissioner Maria Damanaki has suggested establishing a joint marine park in the Aegean Sea with Türkiye, sparking attention in Greece as a “bold initiative.”
Damanaki stated, “Why not a joint marine park with Türkiye? Both countries could collaborate to protect the marine environment in the Aegean. The park could extend beyond territorial waters, covering a larger area. Currently, there are Greek and Turkish waters with an undefined zone in between—this is where we can work together.”
She also referred to remarks by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, interpreting them as a sign of willingness for cooperation.
Greek media described Damanaki’s proposal as unconventional but significant for environmental diplomacy, highlighting its potential to foster collaboration despite ongoing regional tensions.
The proposal comes amid recent disputes over new Greek marine parks in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, which prompted a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement emphasizing that unilateral actions in enclosed or semi-enclosed seas should be avoided.
Meanwhile, Türkiye has registered its new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) as part of its national marine planning map.
