50th Anniversary
of the Barcelona Convention
Enhancing Adriatic-Ionian Cooperation for Sustainable Coastal and Marine Management
Celebrated within the framework of Slovenia’s Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week, Mediterranean Coast Day provided a valuable platform for dialogue on sustainable coastal and marine management in the Adriatic-Ionian region. Bringing together policymakers, experts and project partners, the event explored how Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Maritime Spatial Planning and enhanced regional cooperation can help address shared environmental challenges while advancing sustainable development and ecosystem protection.
Addressing Carrying Capacity Challenges in the Pelagos Sanctuary
Ensuring that Marine Protected Areas remain both ecologically healthy and socially sustainable is a growing challenge in the Mediterranean. At the third Adapt-Pelagos workshop, held in Nice on 22 September 2026, experts, institutions and MPA managers examined approaches to assessing carrying capacity and managing human pressures in the Pelagos Sanctuary. Through exchanges of experience and collaborative discussions, participants identified actions to strengthen biodiversity protection, improve governance, and support sustainable use of marine resources.
Advancing Coastal Resilience in the Mediterranean Through Nature-based Solutions
Nature, connection and action were at the heart of Mediterranean Coast Day 2026, celebrated in Larnaca, Cyprus, on 25 September alongside the first DesirMED Adaptation Festival. Dedicated to the role of Nature-based Solutions in strengthening coastal resilience, the event brought together experts, decision-makers, stakeholders and citizens to exchange experiences, showcase innovative practices and promote regional cooperation. Through policy dialogue, community engagement and the sharing of local solutions, Coast Day 2026 highlighted how working with nature and fostering collective action can help Mediterranean coastal communities adapt to climate change and build a more resilient future.
Scaling Up Innovation for Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Coastal Management
How can successful local experiences be transformed into practical solutions for coastal communities across the Mediterranean? This question guided discussions at the 4th INCORE-MED Partners and Steering Committee Meeting, held in Venice, Italy, on 1-2 October 2026. Bringing together project partners and stakeholders, the meeting focused on developing the INCORE-MED Toolbox, a key instrument designed to capture the knowledge, methodologies and lessons learned through the project and make them accessible, transferable and scalable. By supporting the wider uptake of innovative and participatory approaches, the Toolbox aims to strengthen inclusive and climate-resilient coastal management throughout the Mediterranean region.
Regional Experts Discuss the Future of a Mediterranean NOx Emission Control Area
As Mediterranean countries strengthen their commitment to cleaner and more sustainable shipping, REMPEC convened a regional technical meeting on 7-8 October 2026 to examine the possible designation of the entire Mediterranean as a NOx Emission Control Area (Med NOx ECA). The proposed measure would help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from vessels, contributing to improved air quality and environmental protection throughout the region.
Empowering Young People for Climate Action in the Mediterranean
Strengthening youth engagement in climate action is essential to addressing the challenges facing the Mediterranean region. As part of the Youth4CLIMED project, PAP/RAC contributed to the fourth Climate Adaptation Summer School (CASS IV) in İzmir, Türkiye, delivering training and interactive activities designed to enhance climate literacy, promote environmental rights and encourage meaningful youth participation in climate governance and policymaking.
The ocean sunfish in the Mediterranean: new insights into an enigmatic species
One of the Mediterranean’s most iconic and mysterious species, the sunfish (Mola mola) is the focus of new research coordinated by ISPRA. By combining long-term monitoring with environmental DNA analysis, the study provides new insights into the species’ distribution, its ecological relationships and the possible effects of the changes currently taking place in Mediterranean marine ecosystems.
Strengthening Protected Area Management Through IMET Training in Morocco
Strengthening the management of protected areas remains a priority for achieving biodiversity conservation goals in the Mediterranean. To support this effort, SPA/RAC has organized a hands-on training workshop in Al Hoceima, Morocco, focused on the Integrated Management Effectiveness Tool (IMET), a key instrument for assessing and enhancing protected area management. The training aims to strengthen the capacities of protected area managers and practitioners, helping them evaluate management effectiveness and improve conservation outcomes across the region.
Tracking Progress Towards the Mediterranean 30×30 Commitment
Protecting and effectively managing Mediterranean marine and coastal ecosystems is essential to achieving regional and global biodiversity goals. The 2025 Status of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean reviews the current state of protection across the basin, measuring progress towards the ambitious target of conserving 30% of coastal and marine areas by 2030 and outlining the challenges that still need to be addressed.
Applications Open for the 4th Mediterranean MPA Forum
From 15 to 17 December 2026, Alexandria, Egypt, will host the 4th Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Forum, a landmark regional event organized by SPA/RAC and MedPAN. Bringing together marine protected area managers, experts, decision-makers and stakeholders from across the Mediterranean, the Forum will provide a unique platform to strengthen regional cooperation, share experiences and innovative solutions, and advance collective efforts towards achieving the biodiversity and marine conservation targets set for 2030.
New Progress on Climate and Coastal Monitoring in the Mediterranean
Regional cooperation and robust environmental monitoring are key to achieving the objectives of the Barcelona Convention and the UNEP/MAP Ecosystem Approach. Meeting on 30 September-1 October 2026, the CORMON on Coast and Hydrography brought together experts from across the Mediterranean to advance monitoring methodologies, review climate-related indicators and share best practices, laying the groundwork for more coordinated and effective protection of the region’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
