Day: 6 November 2025

After 40 days navigating the fragile and fragmented waters of the Aegean Sea, Mission Greece 2025 has returned with a clearer picture of the Mediterranean’s shifting ecological balance—and renewed urgency to protect it.

Led by The Explorations of Monaco under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, this first leg of the new Mediterranean Missions programme (2025–2030) brought together scientists, diplomats, educators, and civil society in a floating laboratory of science and cooperation. Aboard the hybrid-powered catamaran MODX 70-01, the multidisciplinary crew visited multiple sites across Greece, from the Cyclades to the Ionian Sea, combining high-level marine research with hands-on outreach and diplomatic engagement.

A Sea in Flux

Among the most revealing findings was the accelerating decline of brown algae forests (Cystoseira), long considered a key indicator of coastal ecosystem health. The MAR4PAST project, which compared current observations with data collected 15 years ago, confirmed widespread degradation—except in one place: the marine protected area (MPA) of Alonissos, where the habitats remain largely intact.

“This stark contrast is more than a data point—it’s a powerful demonstration that protection works,” said Xavier Prache, Director of The Explorations of Monaco.

“It gives us both a warning and a roadmap.”

Elsewhere, the EXOFISH-MED programme documented the growing presence of non-native species entering through the Suez Canal. At Alonissos, only two invasive species were recorded; on the more southerly and exposed island of Syros, six were found. These findings suggest that climate and current patterns are reshaping the biological landscape of the Mediterranean faster than many had anticipated.

Deep Data and Living Currents

In the deeper Ionian Sea, the expedition deployed two BGC Argo floats, state-of-the-art autonomous sensors that measure ocean health down to 2,000 metres. Initial readings confirmed their full functionality, promising new long-term datasets for understanding everything from oxygen levels to acidity—a critical tool in tracking ocean climate change.

Meanwhile, sediment samples taken by the Scientific Centre of Monaco revealed microplastic concentrations in the upper layers of the seabed, adding to the growing body of evidence that even the most remote marine environments are not immune to pollution.

A participatory bathymetry project helped map previously uncharted seafloor zones, with local sailors and scientists contributing to data collection—an example of how citizen science is becoming a pillar of marine knowledge.

Diplomacy at Sea

The expedition was not just about science, but also soft diplomacy. On 9th October, Prince Albert II travelled to Alonissos, where he met with researchers, MPA managers, and local residents. Discussions focused on the preservation of the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the region’s most endangered species, and how to strengthen MPA governance in the face of accelerating environmental pressures.

The mission also served to deepen bilateral ties between Monaco and Greece, reinforcing both nations’ shared commitment to marine conservation.

Education and Engagement

Public outreach was woven into every stage of the mission. In Athens, the exhibition “The Time for Action – Marine Protected Areas of the Mediterranean” opened at the Eugenides Foundation, marking the official start of the awareness campaign. On the islands of Alonissos and Syros, schoolchildren took part in interactive workshops led by Monaco’s Oceanographic Institute and Plankton Planet, while professional sessions engaged fishers, park rangers and local NGOs.

In Volos, university students boarded MODX 70-01 to learn how to use drones, underwater mapping tools and environmental sensors—giving them hands-on experience in marine data collection. Monaco’s scientific team also delivered a public lecture on microplastic pollution at the University of Thessaly.

Engineers and biologists from Monaco-based startup Cosma deployed their underwater drone to precisely map areas of the Pagasetic Gulf.

These initiatives allowed students, educators, and local decision-makers to actively participate in the scientific mission, extending its impact far beyond the expedition itself.

A Blueprint for the Future

With climate pressures mounting and biodiversity under threat, Mission Greece 2025 sets the tone for a broader regional push. Its findings show that protection is possible—but must be scaled up and backed by science, cooperation and public support.

“The Mediterranean is more than a shared sea—it’s a shared responsibility,” said Xavier Prache.

“This mission is proof that when nations collaborate, and when science, diplomacy and public engagement are aligned, we can build a blueprint for marine regeneration.”

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All photos provided

After months of political stalemate, EU environment ministers have reached a long-awaited agreement on the bloc’s revised climate law, setting the stage for a formal commitment to the 2035 climate target to be presented at COP30 in Brazil next week.

Meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, the 27 environment ministers endorsed a plan to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 66.25% to 72.5% below 1990 levels by 2035. The target covers all sectors of the economy and all major greenhouse gases, including methane. It forms part of the EU’s broader climate strategy to cut emissions by 90% by 2040, a goal that is to be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as part of the bloc’s contribution under the Paris Agreement.

“We are sending a strong signal ahead of COP30 that we remain fully committed to keeping the goals of the Paris Agreement,” said Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s Minister for Climate. “It enables us to push for more global climate action when we meet the rest of the world in Belém.”

Push for ambition and implementation

The agreement comes at a critical time for the EU, which has faced increasing scrutiny over the pace of its green transition and its role in leading international climate efforts. With COP30 set to begin next week in the Brazilian city of Belém, EU officials say this year’s summit must demonstrate that the transition to a clean economy is irreversible.

“This COP is about ambition and implementation, and about closing the emissions gap,” said a senior European Commission official. “We want to show the Paris Agreement is working and delivering.”

A key theme at COP30 will be climate finance, particularly for vulnerable countries in the global south. In 2024, the EU and its member states contributed €31.7 billion in public climate finance, with an additional €11 billion in private investment mobilised to help developing countries cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

The role of carbon pricing

The Commission is also expected to push the global conversation on carbon pricing, which it describes as a top priority. The EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) raised around €40 billion last year, much of which was reinvested in green innovation and infrastructure. A new carbon border tax, due to begin in January 2026, is expected to provide further funding for the transition.

Despite the progress, some environmental groups remain cautious. Maja Pozvek of the Clean Air Task Force said the agreed 2040 trajectory falls short of what is needed.

“If the EU is serious about decarbonisation as part of its growth strategy, it must champion clean technologies and seize the first-mover advantage,” she said. “Settling for the lowest common denominator is not enough.”

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Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki, Unsplash