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Known less for its natural wealth than it is for its laden history, Gyaros \u2013 the \u201cdeath island\u201d of communist exiles that so deserves our remembrance \u2013 is also home to extremely important biodiversity and a remarkable natural landscape. In many countries, an island with such characteristics would have prompted timely action from the state for its protection and advancement.<\/p>\n
In Greece, it took a full 13 years from the start of efforts to this end spearheaded by WWF Greece and other organizations, and eight years after an official commitment was made by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, before the presidential decree establishing the Gyaros Marine Protected Area (MPA) was finally signed on April 20. The protection of this very special area has, for the first time, been given a permanent and clear legal status, with defined zones and management rules. After years of systematic work and the concerted efforts of many actors, the institutional framework for the area\u2019s long-term protection is now secured.<\/p>\n
Formal legal designation is only the first step, however. What does it take for a protected area to function effectively? The experience of Gyaros points to three essential ingredients: knowledge, implementation, and cooperation.<\/p>\n
Knowledge: There can be no management without knowledge. For over a decade, universities, research institutes and environmental organizations have been systematically collecting data on Gyaros so appropriate measures can be designed and their effectiveness assessed. Long-term research by the Hellenic Ornithological Society, for example, led to the discovery of a particularly important colony of Yelkouan shearwater, a seabird. At the same time, research by the Hellenic Center for Marine Research shows that the fishing ban in the area has led to a remarkable recovery of fish stocks.<\/p>\n
Implementation: The installation of an advanced system for remote monitoring on Gyaros had led to an 85% reduction in illegal fishing and was recognized by the European Union as a best practice for all of Europe in 2025. It demonstrates that rules only deliver results when they are consistently enforced.<\/p>\n
Cooperation: This is the third and arguably most important ingredient. Participation by professional fishers, research institutes, ministries, local authorities and environmental organizations was decisive. The trust that was built and the shared vision that too shape thanks to transparent practices and lengthy consultation, are a solid foundation for the future. Cooperation with the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (NECCA) was another milestone, as was the decision to give it responsibility for managing the area.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, the overall picture for the country\u2019s protected areas is still highly problematic.<\/p>\n
Despite Greece\u2019s censure by the European Union back in 2020, the 23 special environmental studies required before a presidential decree can be issued are still sitting in drawers at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, even though they should have been completed by 2021. Out of a total of 174 marine protected areas within the Natura 2000 network in Greece, the Gyaros decree was only the fourth to be issued.<\/p>\n
There are reasons to be optimistic, however. The government\u2019s initiative to create two new marine parks in the southern Cyclades and the Ionian opens up significant prospects on a larger scale. Here, studies were completed on time and approved very recently. The next critical step is to prepare the draft presidential decrees as soon as possible and to submit them to the Council of State for approval.<\/p>\n
The day after is already here. The presidential decree does not represent the end of the road, but the start of a new phase that concerns effective management. This means implementation of the provisions in the decree, adequately staffing the management units, systematically monitoring ecosystems and enforcing effective oversight. It also means investing in public awareness and sustainable visitation, so that society can come to understand and support the value of these areas.<\/p>\n
Gyaros proves that environmental protection can succeed in Greece, but also that it takes time, consistency, cooperation and people who are dedicated, knowledgeable and eager. If we want the new marine parks and the country\u2019s protected areas overall to truly become sanctuaries of life and drivers of local sustainable development, we must move much faster, drawing on the experience and lessons learned from places like Gyaros. Its success is a reason for optimism. But it is also a reminder that there is still much work ahead. It is worth the effort.<\/p>\n
Dimitris Karavellas is CEO of WWF Greece.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n