Dear MARMAM community,
WWF Greece has drafted a declaration calling for the protection of the Hellenic Trench against oil and gas drilling operations in collaboration with the <http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr/> Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute<http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr>. This is part of <https://support.wwf.gr/campaigns-en/save-your-paradise/> WWF Greece's campaign against O&G activities<https://support.wwf.gr/campaigns-en/save-your-paradise/> in the Greek waters, launched in October 2018, that aims for a permanent ban in Greece. The Hellenic Trench hosts a number of marine mammals and two Important Marine Mammal Areas have been recently identified in its waters. The Hellenic Trench is a core habitat for the endangered Mediterranean sperm whale subpopulation, and among the five high-density areas for the vulnerable Mediterranean Cuvier’s beaked whale -two species which are highly sensitive to underwater noise. However, recently a huge offshore area, approximately 56000 sq. km, has been granted by the Greek government as concessions to the oil and gas industry for hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation. To oppose such plans, WWF Greece in collaboration with the Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute has drafted and presented the Declaration during the 5th International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas<https://www.fifth.icmmpa.org> and now asks for the support of the wider marine mammal conservation community. We are seeking for your endorsement to contribute to this initiative and help up consolidate a strong community that says NO to O&G in sensitive marine areas. The Declaration is available here: <https://icmmpa5.aktinatravelgroup.com/files/ICMMPA_Declaration_final_draft.pdf> ICMMPA Declaration<https://icmmpa5.aktinatravelgroup.com/files/ICMMPA_Declaration_final_draft.pdf> The Declaration will be delivered to the Prime Minister of Greece in the coming weeks. We urge you to sign the declaration by reporting back to <mailto:[email protected]> Dimitris Ibrahim<mailto:[email protected]>, WWF Greece's marine officer. Please provide us with your name and affiliation in the way that you would prefer to appear in the Declaration.
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