The National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades was visited on October 8 and 9 by Prince Albert II of Monaco, as part of the “Mission Greece” mission and the Monaco Explorations educational program, according to an announcement by OFYPEKA. The presence of the distinguished guest confirmed once again his firm commitment to the protection of the Mediterranean Sea and its marine ecosystems.
During his visit, Prince Albert was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Petros Varelidis, and the President of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (OFYPEKA), Maria Papadopoulou. Together they toured the marine area of Skopelos on an OFYPEKA boat, where they were informed about the biodiversity of the Aegean and its protection actions.
In collaboration with the president of the environmental organization MoM, Panos Dendrinos, a guided tour was held of caves that are critical breeding grounds for the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus, one of the most emblematic and endangered species in the Mediterranean.
At this point, it should be emphasized that the president of OFYPEKA presented to Prince Albert the national network of Marine Protected Areas of Greece and the national strategy for marine protection, with an emphasis on the preservation of habitats and the strengthening of environmental education.
Particular mention was made of the two new National Marine Parks, in the Ionian Sea and the Aegean, which were announced last summer by the Prime Minister and mark the country’s new era in the conservation of marine biodiversity.
It is worth noting that Monaco Explorations’ “Mission Greece” aims to study, record and highlight the marine life of the Mediterranean, connecting scientific research with political will for a sustainable marine future.
