Introducing an Augmented Reality Experience for Responsible Yachting
On July 7, 2025, the Seal Greece campaign officially launched from the port of Volos, marking the beginning of a powerful national initiative to protect one of Greece’s rarest and most endangered marine species: the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
Led by the Monk Seal Alliance and NECCA (Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency) — and supported by the Ministry of Environment and Energy — this large-scale awareness campaign is now sailing across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Its mission: to protect Greece’s fragile marine biodiversity by engaging communities, boaters, and tourism professionals in safeguarding Mediterranean monk seal habitats.
Why It Matters — For the Sea and Your Business
Fewer than 1,000 Mediterranean monk seals remain in the wild, and almost half of them live in Greek waters. Their survival depends on access to quiet, undisturbed coastal caves — many of which are threatened by summer tourism, anchoring, noise, and uninformed boating practices.
By supporting Seal Greece, your business helps protect a globally endangered species while aligning with the growing demand for sustainable, nature-friendly travel. Participating companies position themselves within the Blue Economy, responding to customer values and strengthening their long-term brand reputation.
“The Mediterranean monk seal is a precious symbol of Greece’s unique marine heritage. Through the Seal Greece campaign, we aim to unite communities, sailors, and tourists in protecting these rare animals and their fragile habitats.”
— Dr. Maria Papadopoulou, President of NECCA
Meet Mona: Your AR Sea Guide
At the heart of the campaign is an interactive Augmented Reality (AR) experience featuring Mona, an animated monk seal. Designed for recreational sailors, this mobile experience uses geolocation to alert boaters when they’re near sensitive monk seal habitats — and provides simple, actionable tips on how to protect them.
Through Mona, users will learn:
- Whether monk seals may be present in the area
- Why anchoring or entering certain caves causes long-term harm
- How to sail responsibly without disturbing wildlife
- How to contribute to marine conservation in easy, impactful ways
The AR tool is live at participating marinas and available via signage, smartphone, and TikTok — where users can engage with a custom filter, share the message, and explore Greece’s marine life in new ways.
“Our goal is to foster harmonious coexistence between people and monk seals. Through creative tools like augmented reality and local events, we make marine protection accessible and meaningful.”
— Auriane Pertuisot, Coordinator, Monk Seal Alliance
The Awareness Voyage: Join the Journey
From July 7 to August 30, the Awareness Voyage is sailing aboard two wind-powered vessels and their captains — provided by Aegean Cargo Sailing — stopping at more than 20 ports across the Greek archipelagos. Along the route, an international crew of scientists, sailors, and storytellers is meeting with local communities and tourism professionals, hosting events and spreading awareness.
Selected Ports of Call Include:
AEGEAN: Volos, Skopelos, Alonnissos, Psara, Chios, Naxos, Kimolos, Paros, Mykonos, Tinos, Syros
IONIAN: Corfu, Paxoi, Preveza, Lefkada, Meganisi, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos
How You Can Get Involved
Seal Greece invites charter operators, marina managers, tourism providers, and community groups to become active supporters of the campaign. Here’s how your organization can take part:
- Display AR signage and campaign materials at your base, port, or retail space
- Share Mona’s AR experience with your clients and online audiences
- Participate in local events or host Voyage stopovers
- Promote responsible boating in ecologically sensitive areas
Several leading brands — including Aegean Cargo Sailing, NAVILY, Istion Yachting, D-Marin, Sustainable Sailing Greece and Flisvos Marina — are already on board.
