Military exercise in the Eastern Aegean Sea cancelled Below is a message of sincere thanks for all of the voices who spoke out against the military exercises which were to take place in Anhydro and Petrokaravo, rare and critical habitat for Mediterranean monk seals. The proposed military exercises, that were to begin TODAY, have now been cancelled. Thank you all for voicing your immediate concern. Kind regards, Jen Jennifer L. Palmer, M.S., Conservation Scientist Marine Conservation Biology Institute 14301 Arnold Dr. Suite 25 Glen Ellen, CA 95442 Ph. 707. 938. 3214 Fax 707. 996. 4842 jen.palmer@mcbi.org <mailto:jen.palmer@mcbi.org> www.mcbi.org <http://www.mcbi.org> Marine Conservation Biology Institute Protecting Ocean Life through Science and Conservation Advocacy From: Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara [mailto:disciara@tin.it <mailto:disciara@tin.it> ] Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 12:39 AM To: Elliott Norse Cc: info@archipelago.gr Subject: a special thank you Dear Friends and Colleagues, I just received a text message from Anastasia Miliou (9.47 AM Greek time) with these words: "Kalimera from peaceful Petrokaravo. Over 60 Eleonora's are flying around us now and there is no sign of army anywhere". We had received late in the day yesterday the information that the exercises in Anhydro and Petrokaravo had been cancelled, but I wanted to wait till Anastasia went on site to give you the good news. This morning I have received the following positive message from the office of Mr. Spilotopoulos, Minister of defence of the Hellenic Republic: "Upon receipt of the e-mail you sent to the Minister of Defence Mr Spilios P. Spiliotopoulos. We would like to thank you for contacting us and to inform you that your case is under consideration. "Soon you will be informed about its progress. "We are willing to cooperate with you and provide you any information or anything else you may need." I think we can take a deep breath now, thanks to all of you who expressed your concern in the appropriate circles. But if an emergency was taken care of successfully, this doesn't mean that the job is finished. Much progress remains to be made in raising the awareness of all the parties concerned with the protection of the marine environment. Countless military exercises occur daily in all of the world's oceans and seas, and who knows how many other conflicting conditions exist between the needs of the military and the conservation of the marine environment. In part, this is a problem of knowledge: I am personally convinced that the Greek Army had no idea that there was anything wrong with bombing Anhydro and Petrokaravo. On the other hand, substantial improvements are needed in terms of awareness. If it true that the armies exist to protect us and all that is important to us, then it is obvious that environmental protection should be one of the highest concerns for the military. Much work remains to be done to see the effects of such change in attitude, which may take a generation to happen. I wish to express to all of you my deepest appreciation for your participation and support in this circumstance. Yours sincerely, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara