World Oceans Day at Formicula One of Greece’s most significant marine biodiversity hotspots

The small, uninhabited island in the Inner Ionian Archipelago that has been reimagined as one of the most important areas for marine life conservation in Greece.

Formicula (or Fermekoulo), southeast of Lefkada, is a vital Mediterranean natural heritage site, providing refuge for rare species and sensitive ecosystems that continue to flourish largely undisturbed by intensive human activity.

Formicula is known as an important refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals. However, its ecological importance extends far beyond this species. The waters surrounding the islet are home to extensive Posidonia meadows, one of the Mediterranean’s most important habitats. These seagrass meadows act as natural Blue Carbon sinks, helping to adsorb and store carbon dioxide and contributing to the mitigation of the climate crisis impacts. The area also supports coralligenous formations, submerged caves, and significant populations of fish and invertebrates, found at higher densities than in the surrounding region. In addition, the islet provides important resting and breeding grounds for several seabird species.

The Inner Ionian region is considered one of Greece’s most important marine areas for megafauna. In addition to the Mediterranean monk seal, it is home to dolphins, sperm whales, fin whales, sea turtles, such as Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas, as well as protected species of sharks and rays. The area is also recognized as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) and Important Bird Area (IBA), highlighting its global significance for biodiversity conservation.

The ecological importance of Formicula is formally recognized through a Ministerial Decision for the protection of the area, which sets out specific conservation measures aimed at ensuring that human presence does not disturb the islet’s ecosystems and the surrounding marine areas highly sensitive.

Thus, local residents and visitors alike are transformed from inheritors of this natural “treasure” into active guardians of its future!

With the aim of ensuring its effective and long-term protection of this, still largely unknown to the general public, yet highly significant for the marine biodiversity of Greece and the Mediterranean, hotspot, the Environmental Organisation iSea, in collaboration with the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), the port authorities, scientific institutes, and the local community, is once again strengthening its presence in Formicula this year.

iSea continues its work aiming to promote the coexistence of nature and responsible human activity, with the active participation of the local people and those working in the Ionian Sea. At the heart of our efforts lies the nature and life of Formicula itself, featuring “Lela”, the Mediterranean monk seal named after a traditional Lefkadian name, whom we hope everyone will come to know, as she serves as a bridge bringing people closer to her world and reminding us that the protection of nature begins with knowledge, respect, and connection.

In addition to supporting surveillance in the marine area of Formicula and conducting field activities in collaboration with NECCA and the Hellenic Coast Guard, scientific monitoring of the area is ongoing, along with awareness-raising actions for residents, visitors, and other target groups, such as tourism businesses and fishers.

According to studies, even seemingly minor human disturbance can significantly impact on such a sensitive ecosystem and on the species that rely on it for feeding and reproduction. As a result, and due to the increasing pressures in the Ionian Sea from unregulated tourism, uncontrolled anchoring, maritime traffic, noise pollution, marine pollution, and the impacts of climate crisis, the need for effective protection of the area becomes even more critical.

The protection of Formicula depends on the behavior of its visitors!

Therefore, anyone visiting the area is encouraged to:

• approach the islet exclusively from the designated zone and always in accordance with the applicable regulations;
• maintain a distance of 30 meters from seals and avoid disturbing wildlife;
• comply with speed and noise regulations;
• do not anchor;
• do not disturb, collect, or damage any organisms or natural materials;
• do not leave any waste behind.

Our awareness-raising activities in the area continue, with the aim of making Formicula islet as a symbol of marine natural heritage protection in Greece and the Mediterranean.

Find out more about the area and its protection measures here: https://isea.com.gr/project/formicula/

Contact Information: Ilektra Athinaiou, Project Manager, Environmental Organisation iSea, +30 2313090696, ilektra.athinaiou@isea.com.gr