Weseayou is an observatory where everyone can check exactly where Greece stands in relation to marine protection and in particular the creation of marine protected areas that should cover at least 30% of the Greek seas by 2030 (30X30 target).
Who We Are
The weseayou Observatory is an initiative of WWF Greece, Greenpeace and Vouliwatch, with the support of 8 environmental organisations (ARCHELON, Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Thalassa Foundation, Blue Marine Foundation, Cyclades Preservation Fund, iSea, MEDASSET).
The weseayou Observatory is the first mechanism for monitoring the implementation of commitments to protect the marine environment in Greece. The aim of this initiative is to contribute to the achievement of the 30X30 target in Greece and to inform citizens about the importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the need for protective measures. Through the weseayou platform, all interested citizens will be able to follow the developments regarding the protection of Marine Protected Areas, while at the same time political pressure will be exerted on the state and the competent bodies to take the necessary actions both to expand the network of Marine Protected Areas and to enhance effective management and appropriate protective measures.
The “weseayou” Observatory was developed with respect to the project “Advancing the 30X30 target for an ecologically-representative, coherent and well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas in Greece” which is being implemented in Greece by WWF Greece and Greenpeace, funded by Oceans 5.
The observatory weseayou is a digital platform in which everyone, citizens and experts, can monitor Greece’s progress in relation to the implementation of its commitments for the protection of the marine environment and in particular the creation of marine protected areas to cover at least 30% of its national waters by 2030 (30X30 target). More specifically, the observatory monitors (a) the implementation of the commitments concerning MPAs announced in April 2024 during the 9th Our Ocean Conference (OOC9), which was hosted by Greece in Athens and (b) compliance with certain key obligations concerning marine protected areas pursuant to the legislation of the European Union.
In 2022, the international community adopted a historical agreement on the conservation of global biodiversity. The new global biodiversity framework which was adopted includes specific targets which all the countries are called upon to implement by 2030. A key target for biodiversity conservation is the so-called 30X30 target, according to which, all countries must undertake initiatives and adopt measures for the creation of marine protected areas which will cover at least 30% of the planet’s oceans and seas by 2030. This objective has been integrated also into the EU and the Mediterranean Biodiversity Strategies, as well as into our national legislation.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a critical tool for tackling the intertwined climate and of biodiversity loss crises. These areas constitute hotspots of high ecological importance, as they host important and endangered habitats such as, for example, Posidonia meadows, as well as important and endangered marine species, such as the loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta, sperm whales, dolphins, the Mediterranean monk seal and others.
Besides their importance for biodiversity conservation and the protection of species and habitats, MPAs provide us with important ecosystem services and benefits for the sustainable development of local communities. For example, the recovery of fish stocks may enhance the livelihood of local fishing communities and contribute to food security, while the opportunities for low-impact tourist activities help support the tourism industry and create new jobs.
WITH THE SUPPORT
