Greece plans 2 marine protected areas. But rival Turkey and environmental groups aren’t impressed

By ELENA BECATOROS
Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece aims to create two large marine parks as part of an $830 million program to protect biodiversity and marine ecosystems. The plans were announced at an international oceans conference in Athens on Tuesday, along with pledges to ban bottom trawling and reduce plastic pollution, including microplastics. But the initiative has irked Greece’s neighbor and regional rival, Turkey, while environmental organizations say the initiative doesn’t go far enough. They note that Greece also allows environmentally harmful practices such as energy exploration in sensitive marine environments. Representatives from more than 100 countries and international organizations are attending the meeting.