Descrizione dell'organizzazione

MOm/ Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal is a Greek non–governmental environmental organization with the legal status of a Non–profit association. Since 1988, MOm has been active in the protection and promotion activities for the conservation of the coastal and marine environment of Greece, through the protection of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus, which is the only seal species in the Mediterranean Sea and the most endangered seal on earth.

According to the regulations of the International Convention on the Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) MOm is an accredited research institute (Prot. No.: 89670/1427/12‐3‐2007 / Code Nr.: GR 003). All research and rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts of the Organization are carried out with the necessary permits from the national and international competent authorities.
Since 1996, MOm has been a member of IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), the largest organization in the world for the protection of the natural environment.

MOm’s scientific research, conservation and education activities are carried out by a dedicated and highly-specialized team of professionals (i.e. biologists, field technicians, media officers) with the help of numerous volunteers. MOm’s activities include:
-Scientific Research and dissemination of result in peer reviewed scientific magazines
-Rescue and Rehabilitation of sick, wounded and orphan monk seal pups and their reintroduction to the wild
-Conservation and Management of Protected Areas
-Public Awareness and Sensitization
-Environmental Education

MOm’s research activities are focused on obtaining a better understanding of the basic aspects of Mediterranean monk seal biology, behavior and ecology. The results of MOm’s scientific research are made available to national and international authorities and are used to design and implement effective conservation and management measures for Mediterranean monk seals. They are also presented to the international scientific community through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.

Public awareness and sensitization efforts are among the organisation’s key priorities. MOm constantly strives to educate people about the need to protect the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal and the entire coastal and marine environment of Greece. MOm’s education programs are designed for the general public, as well as specific stakeholders and interest groups including government officials, members of professional and recreational associations, scientific colleagues etc. Since 1990, MOm has been operating Information Centers in areas that are important for the Mediterranean monk seal in Greece within the framework of its Summer Awareness and Sensitization Campaigns. MOm's outreach and awareness activities are always carried out with the help of dedicated volunteers, which so far number more than a thousand individuals who have participated so far in various summer campaigns.

Since 1991, MOm operates the Hellenic Rescue and Information Network (RINT) for the Mediterranean monk seal, which is part of the national program used to scientifically monitor and protect Monachus monachus in Greece. The success of the RINT is based on the voluntary participation of more than two thousand members from local Port Police authorities, fishermen’s cooperatives, veterinary authorities, coastal municipalities and environmentally-aware citizens. Important information on monk seal sightings from throughout Greece is collected with their help.

MOm carries out environmental education activities throughout Greece with a special focus on coastal and insular areas. The goal is to educate school children, the future generation, about the critically endangered status of the Mediterranean monk seal and its habitat and how they can become active in their protection. This is done by challenging their learning process and their critical thinking.