The NATURA 2000 Network and MPAs in Greece:

Challenges towards the creation and management of a new MPA around the

Gyaros Natura 2000 site

The NATURA 2000 Network and MPAs in Greece

NATURA 2000: 6.1% of national waters

NATURA 2000 category of PAs,

but not different from MPAs few horizontal provisions exist Limited number of MPAs

established to date due to long designation procedure lack of political will local opposition

2016 Ministry of Environment proposal increase new marine NATURA sites to 18% of national waters

Key lessons from existing Greek MPAs 2 MPAs established in the 90’s mainly to

conserve single iconic species (Mediterranean monk seal, Loggerhead turtle)

Designated as a SCI in 2006 and partially as SAC in 2011

No specific measures for other habitats and other species of CI

Management Bodies created in 2002 no Management Plans in place Monitoring of conservation status – most

often incomplete and irregular in time Surveillance of MPA – irregular due to

funding gaps Completely dependent on EU financial

mechanisms

The Gyaros MPA: a novel case study

The Gyaros site: Designated as a Natura 2000 site

(SCI/SPA) due to discovery of the largest monk seal population in the Med

CYCLADES Life project implemented since 2013

Designated as a no-take zone in 2013 Designated as the 1st Marine Wildlife

Refuge of Greece in 2015 MPA designation process in progress

The Gyaros MPA: a case study in EBM

As part of the CYCLADES Life project considerable primary field research was conducted in the Gyaros site: A detailed assessment of the monk seal population has been conducted A detail study of the islands avifauna was conducted – a significant colony

(~2000 pairs) of Yelkouan Sheerwater Pyffinus Yelkouan was discovered Underwater habitats have been mapped in detail

Fish biodiversity was assessed based on experimental fishery research

Terrestrial fauna, flora and habitat types were recorded

A socioeconomic study of the wider area was conducted

© G. Vavitsas / WWF Greece

The Gyaros MPA: a case study in EBM

Based on the results of this work a number of management studies were conducted: Ecosystem Based Management Plan Marine Spatial Study Special Environmental Study (the prerequisite for an MPA designation

Lessons learned

• To conduct necessary primary research is time and resources demanding

• LIFE funding line limits research work

The Gyaros MPA: a case study in co-management

Contrary to the foreseen process, the design of the MPA follows a different model: Stakeholder analysis conducted – more than 100 stakeholders identified Consortium of Stakeholders established with representatives of 15 key stakeholders

(state, regional, and local government, area users, local development agencies, scientific institutions, NGOs)

Common vision for the MPA developed that includes nature conservation and local development goals

Consortium deliberates over several months on MPA zoning plan and on conservation measures that will be implemented – decisions taken unanimously

Consortium will propose the MPA’s governance structure

Competent authorities formally committed to adopt Consortium proposal and designate the MPA

The Gyaros MPA: a case study in co-management

Lessons learned • Local stakeholders unfamiliar with nature conservation goals and processes • Consultative process extensive in time – longer time is needed to build trust • Full consultation process not foreseen by existing legislation • State authorities do not relinquish power easily • Antagonism

between relevant Ministries delays MPA design process and hinders implementation of conservation measures

The Gyaros MPA: a case study in guarding In the Gyaros site a model system, based on new technology, is installed and is being tested: Marine radar installed at mountaintop to monitor incoming marine traffic High-range IF camera monitors and identifies illegal incidents System controlled remotely A drone will be tested to be able to recover footage on illegal incidents and use

it as evidence against violators A highspeed patrol vessel and a field team is ready to intervene on site MoU between competent authorities(Coast guard, MoEnv) and WWF

describes roles and duties of parties involved Detail Operational Plan developed

The Gyaros MPA: a case study in guarding

Lessons learned • Competent authorities resources diminished during financial crisis • Existing legislation complex –– numerous permits required for novel systems • Conflict between remote monitoring of extensive marine areas and

EU/national legislation for the protection of personal data and privacy • National legislation does not allow private entities to be involved in guarding

of public areas

© C.Papadas/ WWF Greece

The Gyaros MPA: a case study in concrete conservation

A number of concrete conservation actions are being implemented either to protect species and habitats or to promote sustainable tourism activities: Posidonia friendly moorings installed - to regulate anchorage and limit

damage to this valuable habitat Enhancement of octopus population through artificial dens – to benefit

both seals and fishermen Infrared cameras installed in monk seal habitat - to monitor species and

provide awareness material Cleanups of monk seal habitat (caves, open beaches and underwater) – to

decrease monk seal pup mortality due to entanglement and ghost fishing

The Gyaros MPA: a case study in concrete conservation

Lessons learned • Existing legislation does not foresee works for the protection of habitats –

numerous permits required • Life program expects impact of conservation measures to be immediate

(within a project’s duration, even on long-lived species

© G.Rigoutsos/ WWF Greece

The Gyaros MPA: promoting sustainable development

A number of concrete actions are being implemented to promote sustainable tourism activities: Posidonia friendly moorings installed - to ensure safe anchorage and

promote visitation to the island

Network of underwater trails designed and constructed - to regulate disturbance and promote diving tourism

Infrared cameras installed in monk seal habitat - to monitor species and provide awareness material

© G.Rigoutsos/ WWF Greece

The Gyaros MPA: promoting sustainable development

Lessons learned • Existing legislation does not foresee innovative sustainable development

works within MPAs – numerous permits required • Underwater trails are legislatively viewed as a business endeavor not as a

conservation/management measure

© A. Bonetti/ WWF Greece

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