In Rome the Opening of the UNEP/MAP 50th anniversary celebrations
Celebrations for the MAP-50 anniversary were officially opened by Ms Tatjana Hema, UNEP/MAP coordinator, in Rome, the last 23th January 2025, as provided for in the Portorož Ministerial Declaration (COP23, December 2023). The MAP-50 anniversary also coincides also with the 30 years from the Post Rio Barcelona Convention.
In this framework “Odyssey reloaded” initiative has been launched as a pan-Mediterranean digital campaign that will celebrate the 50 years of activity of the Barcelona Convention through a constellation of events around the Mediterranean Sea. Watch the full video here
An agreement for the marine environment
INFO/RAC and the Permanent Secretariat of the Pelagos Agreement signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 18 December 2024.
The agreement represents a significant milestone for the protection of the marine environment, especially for the protection of the mammals that inhabit the Pelagos Sanctuary.
The Pelagos Agreement has been an official partner of the Barcelona Convention since 2023, and the MoU is testament to the desire to work together for a healthier, more resilient and sustainable Mediterranean.
Launch of the 2023 Mediterranean Quality Status Report
Ms Tatjana Hema, UNEP/MAP Coordinator, officially launched (23th January 2025, Rome) the 2023 Mediterranean Quality Status Report, the publication on the state of quality in the Mediterranean Sea in the framework of the opening of MAP50 anniversary celebration.
Published every 6 years, the second edition of the MED QSR is the upshot of a collective endeavor involving the Contracting Parties, MAP partners, in particular the scientific community, the Secretariat and the MAP Components.
Reflecting 2024’s successes and lessons learned to look ahead to 2025
Global decision makers and government representatives, along with the business sectors and civil society gathered in each corner of the globe over the course of 2024, especially over the last quarter. From the humid city of Cali to seek implementation inroads for biodiversity goals to the eastern European base of Baku to promote financial responsibilities to carry out promises made, continuing to the mountain of Busan to determine the extent of a future plastic treaty and eventually to the edges of the desert to seek solutions for land.
New Project Selected to Study Ecological Impacts of Deep-Sea Mining
The project was selected as part of the third phase of the successful JPI Oceans Joint Action on the ecological aspects of deep-sea mining. Endowed with a total budget of c. €9 million (of which c. €5.7 million is funded by the national funders through JPI Oceans), the project will fill critical knowledge gaps about deep-sea ecosystems and the potential consequences of mining activities for them. The research consortium brings together experts from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Work is scheduled to begin in July 2025.
Adopted the CAMP Bosnia and Herzegovina project
The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has officially adopted the project’s final report. The decision will now be submitted to the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina for final approval, ensuring formal recognition of all project outcomes and readiness for implementation.
The project has achieved significant progress, particularly in the Municipality of Neum, fostering enhanced international cooperation in Integrated Coastal Zone Management. Key activities include the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee, the promotion of sustainable tourism, and the introduction of climate change adaptation measures.
The project is important for drafting a Law on the Coast and Sea, an essential step for a nation with a small but strategically vital coastline.
ACCOBAMS: NEW Executive Secretary
Maÿlis Salivas is the new Executive Secretary of ACCOBAMS. With 15 years of expertise in marine biodiversity conservation, she brings a strong background in environmental monitoring and coastal ecosystem assessment to her new role. She has played a key role in coordinating important conservation initiatives and collaborating with national governments, international organizations, and other key stakeholders.
Maylis SALIVAS is dedicated to enhancing regional cooperation, advancing scientific research, and ensuring the sustainable conservation of cetaceans across the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic regions.
National Workshop on the Ratification and Effective Implementation of MARPOL Annex VI
REMPEC organized a National Workshop in Algiers, Algeria on the 16th and 17th December, on the Ratification and Effective Implementation of MARPOL Annex VI, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean Sulphur Oxides Emission Control Area (Med Sox ECA) Requirements. The Workshop aimed to provide: guidance on ratifying MARPOL Annex VI; insights into implementing its provisions effectively, and an overview of the technical and operational implications of the Med Sox ECA.
TouMaLi – Champion of plastic pollution prevention
TouMaLi, a UfM-labelled project, has been awarded the “Champion of Plastic Pollution Prevention in the Mediterranean” for 2024. This recognition highlights its exceptional efforts to combat plastic pollution, particularly through voluntary initiatives.
By joining the Circle of Champions, TouMaLi gains recognition and future funding opportunities. Its pioneering approach underscores the critical need for regional collaboration to protect the Mediterranean Sea.
Measuring Impact: How do we know if we are making a difference?
In addition to the Rio Conventions COPs and INC 5, there are a number of events during the end of the year that are related to the implementation of the Rotterdam and Stockholm BRS Conventions. We know you are busy travelling and engaging in many of these. How do you find the level of awareness around the cross-cutting role of chemicals and wastes?
The ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative Book
ACCOBAMS, the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area, proposed ASI, the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative, a synoptic survey of the entire region.
The main objective of the ASI was to estimate the abundance and determine the distribution of cetaceans and other marine megafauna in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
The ASI was planned as a multi-species survey, collecting data on cetaceans and other large marine vertebrates, such as sea turtles, sharks and rays and marine birds.
Conducted in coordination with Mediterranean coastal countries, it supports the implementation of European and regional policies, in particular the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Ecosystem Approach process
Nature based solutions to mitigate climate change impacts
PAP/RAC has released “Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation to Climate Change in Different Coastal Typologies of the Mediterranean” which provides a comprehensive approach to addressing the impacts of climate change on the Mediterranean’s coastal areas. Developed with input from regional experts, the guidelines focus on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that restore and protect coastal ecosystems to enhance resilience and improve human well-being.
Plan Bleu announces the New MED2050 Report
Pan Bleu announces the publication of MED2050 report: “The Mediterranean in 2050: A Prospective of the Blue Plan,” a key milestone in better understanding the environmental and sustainable development challenges facing the Mediterranean region.
This study is a collaboration between experts from various Mediterranean countries and disciplines. It presents six scenarios for the future of the region by 2050. The aim of the project is to inform policy makers on Mediterranean issues and to raise public awareness, particularly among the younger generations.
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