Vol. 10 (2): November 2007

Encouraging signals from the management of the
National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades

Vassilis Kouroutos* and Christos Neofitou**

In the last edition of the Monachus Guardian, reservations and criticism were expressed by members of a Greek NGO regarding the “intentions” and ability of the Management Body of the Marine Park of Alonnisos, Northern Sporades (NMPANS) to “implement key in situ conservation activities” [see Mixed signals from the management bodies of key protected areas, TMG 10(1): June 2007].

The writer was anxious to articulate doubts concerning the capacity of NMPANS Management Body to manage efficiently the European funds allocated through the Structural Funds for the effective conservation of the NMPANS.

Certainly they are proved wrong, as since May 2007, with more than 3 million Euros secured from the ‘Environment’ Operational Programme (EPPER) the Management Body has already begun producing results.

For the first time ever, 12 scientists and technical staff were employed, responsible for the day-to-day management of the Marine Park; offices were established in Alonnisos; a 10 metre speed boat has been chartered for the implementation of guarding, research and public awareness programmes; a 4 metre inflatable speed boat has been purchased for research and monitoring of the monk seal population; and the preparation of a five-year Management Plan is about to begin.

The Management Body of the NMPANS is in the process of acquiring oil spill control equipment and two patrol boats for the surveillance, monitoring, research and guarding of the Marine Park’s large area. The two fully equipped boats are expected to be operational in May, 2008.

Monitoring activities throughout the Marine Park Area have been carried out mainly to assess the status of the monk seal habitats and population as well as to measure the condition of the fish stocks.

Since the middle of August, several surveys of the Park’s monk seal shelters were carried out to record the condition of the shelters, signs of occupation (tracks, sleeping hollows, smell, scats and fur) or presence of monk seals. Until the middle of October 2007, five newborn pups, one juvenile and four adult monk seals were observed.

Newborn pups in the NMPANS, autumn 2007.		On patrol in the NMPANS.

Monitoring and guarding such a large area as the Marine Park, requires a systematic and disciplined operation. Boat patrols operate in the Marine Park on a daily basis, checking on activities and monitoring ecological conditions.

	Map of NMPANS park regulations. enlarge

During the first few months of the programme we did not take any course of action against illegal activities as we believe that education and awareness is the most effective strategy to encourage compliance with Marine Park management principles. Since July 2007, Park officers informed more than 1,200 of the Park’s users about the regulations and permitted activities within the protected area, and recorded in the A zone of the Park more than 1,250 boats (recreational and professional fishing boats) and 125 cases of illegal activities (speargun fishing, illegal professional and amateur fishing, speed boats exceeding the speed limits, camping, lighting of fires etc.). Since the middle of September when the Management Body decided to start taking action against illegal activities, the Park’s officers have taken legal action in five cases involving Park legislation violations.

In the Marine Park’s office an information and public awareness centre operates. A web site in Greek and English has been created, as well as a DVD. An IT-based Resource Centre is under development in order to attain a strategic and coordinated approach to information acquisition, management, analysis and interpretation.

Volunteer programmes offer the opportunity to individuals to assist in the implementation of the Park’s day-to-day Management Programme which includes field work and office duties.

	Beach cleaning in the NMPANS.

In collaboration with volunteer groups and local professional tourist boat owners, a beach cleaning programme was implemented which resulted in the collection of 150 large bags of garbage.

Regular meetings with local stakeholders (fishermen, tourism operators, tourist boat owners etc.) were organised to exchange experiences and ideas regarding the effective current and future management of the Marine Park.

During the meetings with representatives of local associations we had the chance to increase the trust between the Management Body and local stakeholders and solve problems and disputes.

Nevertheless, as expected, we have faced a few problems with some local people who are opposed to the Park’s regulations and the existence of the Management Body.

One of the primary objectives of the Management Body is the compilation of a five year Management Plan, which will combine the conservation of biodiversity and protection of natural ecosystems with increasing economic development and social cohesion under the principles of sustainable development.

The Management Body believes that time spent in preparation is a necessary investment that will be repaid many times over in the future. There is a strong need to show demonstrable benefits for local stakeholders, and this takes time and diplomacy. We believe that planning and management of the Marine Park must be both top-down and bottom-up. It is better to have a Park which may not be ideal in the ecological sense but meets its primary objectives.

* Vassilis Kouroutos, a Marine Biologist, is Co-ordinator of the Alonnisos office of the NMPANS

** Professor Christos Neofitou is President of the Management Body of the NMPANS

Copyright © 2007 Vassilis Kouroutos, Christos Neofitou, The Monachus Guardian. All Rights Reserved