Its relations with Greece, the neighboring country of Türkiye, have always been stressful and now Greece is going to do a work that can increase more tension in the relationship. Greece is going to set up two National Marine Parks in an attempt to protect sea creatures. These parks will be located in the Ionian Sea and Southern Cycles in the Mediterranean Sea which are a island group located in the west and east of Greece Mainland.
The Greek government’s decision to build a sea park in the Aegean Sea (Part of the Mediterranean Sea) was opposed by Türkiye last year. There have been differences between the two countries historically over the maritime borders and economic rights in parts of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. There has been a dispute between the two countries from time to time.
Greek Prime Minister Kiriyakos Mitsotakis said in a statement on Monday, “These parks will be one of the largest sea protected areas in the entire Mediterranean Sea”. The Prime Minister further said that by 2030, the country will be able to meet its target of security of 30% water sector ahead of time.
Mitsotakis stated that the aim of installation of two maritime parks is to preserve the ecosystem, restore balance in nature and set a new standard for maritime protection.
Turkey announced revenge action
Turkey has been chirped by the Greece decision to build a Marine Park and has also said to start similar projects. Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement, “Unilateral action should be avoided in closed or half-bound seas like Azian and Mediterranean Sea.” He further said that in the coming days, Türkiye will announce its projects to protect the environment in marine areas.
The park built in the Aegean Sea is the house of threatened wild plants and species that will spread over 9,500 square kilometers. Located in the Ionian Sea, this park will be spread over 18,000 square kilometers and will also include some sea turtles such as endangered animals residence.
Mitsotakis said, ‘These parks will be huge houses for organisms under the waves. The most important thing is that the harmful practice of fishing will be banned inside these sea areas.
The old sea dispute between Greece and Türkiye
The dispute between Greece and Türkiye is the biggest dispute that has been continuously. There are hundreds of small and big islands in the Aegean Sea, most of which are under Greece’s control. But Türkiye has objected to the control of Greece, especially with those islands which are very close to its beach.
Cyprus issue between the two countries
The issue of Cyprus between Greece and Türkiye is also a major reason for the controversy. In 1974, when the Greece -backed coup in Cyprus took place, Turkey took military action on the northern part of Cyprus and took it into possession.
Türkiye’s occupation in that region has not yet received international recognition and only Türkiye recognizes it as ‘Northern Cyprus’. Greece, the government of Cyprus and the international community consider this action of Türkiye illegal.
Dispute in Greece and Türkiye to control natural resources
Since the discovery of gas and oil reserves in the Eastern Mediterraneanan, there has been tension in Greece and Türkiye. Both countries claim mining rights there. Both countries have been calling each other’s research illegal in the ocean.
—- End —-