ISPRA partner of the SEALIFE Project
Strengthening cooperation to develop joint solutions for the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal in the program area
As part of the European Territorial Cooperation Programme Interreg Greece-Italy 2021/2027, SEALIFE, a cross-border project dedicated to the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world's most endangered mammal species, is launched. The initiative aims to develop innovative strategies for the conservation of the monk seal in the Ionian and Adriatic Seas.
The project is coordinated by the Regional Natural Park “Otranto Coast – Santa Maria di Leuca and Tricase Forest”, in collaboration with leading Italian and Greek partners, including ISPRA, ARPA Puglia, the NGO Archipelagos, and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR). This network of institutions will work to implement an advanced and shared monitoring plan, based on state-of-the-art scientific methodologies and the active involvement of local communities.
Planned activities include:
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Monitoring of marine caves and coastal areas in Apulia and Greece through the use of camera traps and innovative techniques such as environmental DNA (eDNA).
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Development of monitoring protocols, best practices, and shared databases concerning the conservation status of the species and the threats affecting critical areas within the study region.
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Engagement of local stakeholders through workshops and guidelines for the sustainable management of areas frequented by the monk seal.
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Definition of a joint Italy–Greece action plan to ensure continuous monitoring and long-term protection of the species.
The Role of ISPRA
ISPRA contributes to the SEALIFE project through its well-established expertise in environmental research, scientific data management, and technical-scientific support for nature conservation. In particular, the Institute is involved in the development of shared protocols for monitoring the monk seal and its habitat, as well as in defining ecological indicators useful for the integrated management of coastal areas. ISPRA also participates in the creation of a cross-border database and in drafting the joint Italy–Greece action plan, promoting interoperability between observation systems and coordination among the institutions involved.
With a total budget of approximately €1.2 million, SEALIFE represents a significant step forward in safeguarding marine biodiversity, in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
Involved Partners
Lead Beneficiary:
Regional Natural Park Authority “Otranto Coast – Santa Maria di Leuca and Tricase Forest” (Italy)
Project Beneficiaries:
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ARPA Puglia (Italy)
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ISPRA – Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Italy)
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Archipelagos (Greece)
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Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (Greece)