Gyaros: The Story of the Sea

WWF Greece presents the documentary “Gyaros: The Story of the Sea,” a film that tells the story of the island and its modern rebirth through a unique perspective: that of the sea itself. As the narrator, the sea takes us on a journey from antiquity to the present day, highlighting the unique value of Gyaros as a place of memory and historical significance, while also emphasizing the importance of protecting nature and, in particular, the marine environment.

The History of the Gyaros Marine Protected Area:

• In 2011, the marine area of Gyaros was included in the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas, and in 2019 it became the first Marine Protected Area in the Cyclades with specific measures to protect its natural wealth;
• In 2016, the “Gyaros Co-management Committee” was established as an innovative participatory and consultative body aimed at formulating proposals for comprehensive measures to protect Gyaros and actions to promote the area in a sustainable manner. The Committee made unanimous decisions and held open and transparent consultations.
• In 2019, Gyaros and the surrounding marine area were designated a Marine Protected Area by a decision of the Ministry of the Environment, and protection zones and management measures were established
• In April 2026, the long-awaited Presidential Decree was issued, a defining moment that institutionally completes the years-long effort to protect the area

All these years, our top priority has been to ensure, through advocacy efforts, the long-term protection of the Gyaros area by the state through the issuance of the anticipated Presidential Decree, as well as the promotion and integration of meaningful participatory processes into the governance and management system of the Gyaros Special Protection Area.

The issuance of the Presidential Decree does not mark the end of an important journey. On the contrary, it marks the starting point for the next phase of the Gyaros MPA, where effective nature conservation coexists with sustainable development, research, education, and the active participation of the local community. At the same time, we hope that this marks the beginning of the issuance of the Presidential Decrees that have been pending for many years regarding the country’s other protected areas.