As the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) begins to slowly recover, new challenges are emerging. Increased interactions with humans—especially in tourism hotspots—are putting these rare marine mammals and their habitats at growing risk. Greece, home to a significant portion of the remaining monk seal population, has designated nearly 20% of its territorial waters as protected areas. Yet, many of these sites—particularly those within the Natura 2000 network—still lack the management plans and enforcement mechanisms needed to ensure effective protection.

SEAL GREECE is a national initiative co-developed and led by NECCA, the Greek National Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency and the Monk Seal Alliance, a donor coalition dedicated to protecting this emblematic species. The project was co-designed by these two partners to strengthen the protection of monk seal habitats through a strategic, coordinated effort that complements existing initiatives such as LIFE IP 4Natura and others.