Greece to create new marine reserves to protect underwater wildlife
ATHENS: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday said that his government was creating two new protected marine areas, fulfilling a promise he made at a United Nations conference on the oceans in June.
The new protected areas in the Ionian Sea and in the Southern Cyclades in the Aegean Sea would be "among the largest marine protected areas in the entire Mediterranean", he said in a video message in English.
The prime minister said that the "hugely damaging practice of bottom trawling" by commercial fishing boats would be banned within the new marine reserves and in all Greece's marine protected areas by 2030, making it the first country in Europe to take such a significant step in preservation.
Fishing is generally allowed in protected marine areas worldwide, even by trawlers which scrape the seabed with a huge funnel-shaped net, to devastating effect.
Mitsotakis said that he had "made a promise to honour (Greece's) unique marine heritage" at last month's UN Oceans Conference in southern France, "and to protect it for generations to come".
"Today I am delivering on that promise with the establishment of two new marine national parks...
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years
IC Markets
Learn More
Undo
because when we protect our ocean, we protect our own future."
Greece is located in the eastern Mediterranean and has around 13,600 kilometres (8,450 miles) of coastline and hundreds of islands.
Greece, Brazil and Spain all used the UN conference in Nice, to announce new protected marine reserves and measures to ban bottom trawling, in order to better protect marine wildlife.
Mitsotakis said that the size of the new Greek marine reserves "will enable us to achieve the goal of protecting 30 percent of our territorial waters by 2030".
He said that the government would work with "local communities, local fishermen, scientists (and) global partners (to) make these parks examples of what is possible".
In May, Athens banned bottom trawling in the waters of the Fournoi Korseon island chain in the Aegean to protect recently discovered coral reefs that are exceptionally rich in marine wildlife.
Neighbouring Turkey, whose western coast is close to the Aegean islands, responded to Monday's announcement by criticising such "unilateral action".
"International maritime law encourages cooperation between the coastal states of these seas, including on environmental issues," the foreign ministry in Ankara said.
It said that Turkey was willing to cooperate with Greece and would soon announce its own plans to protect maritime areas.
Greece and Turkey, both members of NATO, have historical disputes over maritime boundaries in the Aegean Sea.
They signed an agreement in 2023 aimed at easing tensions.
Mitsotakis said that "Ocean", a new documentary by British natural history broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, had inspired Greece to accelerate efforts to protect life below the waves.
"Ocean", which features spectacular footage of undersea habitats and marine life, emphasises the importance of healthy seas for tackling climate change and the current sweeping loss of wild species across the planet.
Mitsotakis said "Ocean" showed that the sea was "not just beautiful scenery".
"It is life itself. Delicate. Powerful. And under threat."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
14 minutes ago
- India.com
UK and India Forge Future: Landmark FTA Promises Cheaper Goods, More Jobs, and Green Growth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer during a bilateral meeting, in London on Thursday. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal also present. (ANI Photo) India and the UK officially signed a major free trade agreement on Thursday, 24th July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer were present at the signing ceremony during Modi's visit to Britain. This deal, which was first approved in May, is now fully confirmed. The main goal of this agreement is to double trade between the two countries to $120 billion (around ₹10 lakh crore) by 2030. It is expected to boost businesses and create new jobs in both nations. Implementation Timeline and Approval Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds formally signed the agreement. However, the deal still needs approval from the British Parliament before it can take effect. This process is expected to take about one year. After the signing, Minister Goyal posted on social media: ' Congratulations to Prime Minister @NarendraModi ji, UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer, and the people of India and the UK on signing this important India-UK trade agreement.' How the Deal Helps Factories and Industries The agreement will cut import taxes (also known as tariffs), making it cheaper for both countries to buy and sell goods. This benefits key industries like automobiles, aerospace, and machinery. Car Industry: Import taxes that were once as high as 110% will now drop to 10% (within specific limits), making British cars more affordable in India. Import taxes that were once as high as 110% will now drop to 10% (within specific limits), making British cars more affordable in India. Aerospace: Companies that build aircraft or parts will no longer pay the earlier 11% import duty. It has been cut to zero , making trade much easier. Companies that build aircraft or parts will no longer pay the earlier 11% import duty. It has been cut to , making trade much easier. Electrical Machinery: Tariffs on machines like motors and generators will be reduced from 22% to either zero or 50%, depending on the item. This will help businesses lower costs, trade more freely, and offer better prices to consumers. Boost for Clean Energy Projects The deal opens up India's large government market for UK clean energy companies. As India shifts towards renewable energy—like solar and wind—to meet growing electricity needs, British firms will now be able to offer their services and invest more easily. This helps the UK support India's green energy journey and promotes clean power in both countries. Technology Companies Bringing Jobs and Investment Several Indian technology companies are investing in the UK as part of the new trade partnership. Two key examples include: Zerowatt Energy: Based in Trivandrum, this company uses AI to improve energy use. It is setting up its global headquarters in Leicester, investing £10 million (around ₹105 crore) and creating 50 jobs across Leicester, Manchester, Edinburgh, and London over the next three years. Based in Trivandrum, this company uses AI to improve energy use. It is setting up its global headquarters in Leicester, investing (around ₹105 crore) and creating 50 jobs across Leicester, Manchester, Edinburgh, and London over the next three years. DCube AI: Also from Trivandrum, this AI and data services company is investing £5 million (around ₹52 crore) in its UK operations and will create 50 jobs in Manchester and London. As reported by Ackodrive media, these investments will boost the tech sector and generate more employment in both countries. Aerospace Deals Worth £5 Billion (About ₹52,500 Crore) Twenty-six UK companies have landed new business opportunities in India. A major highlight is that Airbus will begin delivering aircraft to Indian airlines, with over half of them powered by Rolls-Royce engines. These deals are valued at £5 billion (about ₹52,500 crore) and will support hundreds of jobs in UK cities like Filton, Broughton, and Derby. It's a major win for the aerospace sector in both countries. UK Financial Companies to Get Equal Access in India The agreement allows UK banks, insurance companies, and other financial service providers to operate more freely in India's growing economy. It also ensures that UK companies—especially in the insurance sector—will receive the same treatment as Indian firms. This builds trust and encourages more investment from the UK into India's financial markets. Cheaper British Goods Coming to India The trade deal reduces taxes on many British products sold in India, making them more affordable for Indian consumers. Whisky and gin: Import duties will be cut from 150% to 75%, and later to 40% over the next 10 years. Import duties will be cut from 150% to 75%, and later to 40% over the next 10 years. Cars: Taxes on UK-made cars will fall from over 100% to just 10%, but within set limits. Indian shoppers will also see lower prices on goods like perfumes, chocolates, biscuits, soft drinks, medical devices, salmon, and beauty products. Big Boost for Indian Industries That Create Jobs The deal supports Indian sectors that employ large numbers of people, such as: Textiles and clothing Seafood and marine products Leather goods and footwear Sports goods and toys Jewellery and gems Auto parts and engineering products Organic chemicals 99% of Indian exports will get duty-free access to UK markets. Tariffs will also be reduced on labour-heavy goods like leather, shoes, and garments. This will help Indian products become more competitive in the UK and create more jobs back home. Trade Between India and the UK Is Growing Recent data shows a steady rise in trade between the two nations: India's exports to the UK in 2024–25 rose by 12.6%, reaching $14.5 billion (about ₹1.2 lakh crore). in 2024–25 rose by 12.6%, reaching (about ₹1.2 lakh crore). Imports from the UK grew by 2.3% to $8.6 billion (around ₹71,500 crore). Overall, total trade between the two countries increased to $21.34 billion (around ₹1.8 lakh crore) in 2023–24—up from $20.36 billion (around ₹1.7 lakh crore) in 2022–23. This shows a strong and growing economic relationship. What's Included in the India-UK Trade Deal The Free Trade Agreement covers many important areas, including: Goods trade (like clothing, cars, machines) (like clothing, cars, machines) Services (such as banking, tourism, and IT) (such as banking, tourism, and IT) Technology and innovation Government purchases Protection of ideas and inventions (intellectual property) The deal removes or reduces taxes on most traded items and makes rules easier so that companies can provide services and invest across borders more smoothly. (The author, Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is also the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
India, UK firm up defence industrial roadmap
India and the UK on Thursday firmed up a defence industrial roadmap for co-development and co-production of key defence products and platforms in sync with their overall strategic ties. The roadmap was finalised following wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category healthcare PGDM Artificial Intelligence Leadership Cybersecurity Product Management Finance MCA Design Thinking MBA Others Data Science Digital Marketing Data Analytics Technology others Public Policy Healthcare Degree CXO Data Science Project Management Operations Management Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details The two leaders welcomed the finalisation of a defence industrial roadmap to promote collaboration in co-design, co-development and co-production of defence products to meet the growing demand in both countries as well as for the world market, an Indian readout said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More Undo Modi and Starmer also expressed satisfaction at the deepening defence and security partnership between two countries. There has been an upswing in India-UK defence ties in the last few years. Live Events In October 2021, the UK's Carrier Strike Group (CSG) visited India and held India-UK tri-service exercise Exercise Konkan Shakti. The UK Carrier Strike Group will do a port call in Mumbai in October as well. In November last, both sides firmed up a statement of intent (SoI) indicating resolve to strengthen cooperation in electric propulsion. The two sides are also looking at the possibile cooperation in production of jet engines. In their talks, Modi and Starmer also deliberated on the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific. "We have continued to share our perspectives on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the situation in West Asia," Modi said. "We support early restoration of peace and stability. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries is essential. Today's era demands development, not expansionism," he said. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing collaboration in new and emerging technologies and called for accelerated implementation of the Technology and Security Initiative (TSI). The TSI, firmed up last year, focuses on telecom, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and health technology, semiconductors, advanced materials and quantum.
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
I-T dept working to give shape to rules, procedures under new Income Tax Bill: CBDT chief
The Income Tax department is working to give shape to the rules, forms and procedures for the new Income Tax Bill, 2025, which aims to simplify the six-decade old direct tax law. Speaking at the 166th Income Tax Day event here, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chief Ravi Agarwal also said the department is following the principle of ' enforcement with empathy ', wherein it is enabling taxpayers to review and voluntarily update their finances. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category healthcare Artificial Intelligence MCA Product Management Cybersecurity MBA Design Thinking Public Policy Finance Healthcare Project Management Data Science others PGDM CXO Technology Operations Management Digital Marketing Leadership Management Others Degree Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details Agarwal said "work is already underway to give shape to its rules, forms, and procedures, a critical next step... These will define how the law functions and practice. And I am confident that just like the bill, these too would reflect our shared commitment to clarity, simplicity, and taxpayer convenience ". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold Container Homes in National Capital Region - Prices You Won't Believe! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo The new Income Tax Bill, 2025, was introduced in Parliament on February 13, 2025, and was referred to a parliamentary panel. The panel was submitted its report to Parliament on July 21 suggesting some changes to the I-T bill. Agarwal said the Income Tax department will continue to play its role in making India Viksit Bharat by collecting fair taxes, fostering voluntary compliance, and ensuring that are systems are worthy of trust citizens that put in place. Live Events Agarwal said the department has been using data analytics for voluntary compliance. "Our 'Nudge campaign', which is a short form for non-intrusive usage of data to guide and enable taxpayers, today uses behavioural insights and transactional level data to detect discrepancies. "Be it disclosed income, incorrect deductions, or high risk claims. Rather than launching compliance measures at once, we are now enabling taxpayers to review and voluntarily update their filings. This is enforcement with empathy and it reflects department's evolving mindset to trust persons," Agarwal added.
