The 5th edition of IEFCA
On 29 November, the UNEP/MAP Secretariat officially announced the opening of the fifth edition of the Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award (IEFCA). The award recognizes the efforts made by Local Authorities to promote sustainable development in their city. These authorities are therefore invited to take part in the IEFCA initiative and to nominate the Mediterranean coastal city they govern.
The IEFCA initiative, proposed and funded by the Government of Türkiye, is part of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD) and aims to highlight the actions of Mediterranean coastal cities committed to protecting the environment, improving quality of life and promoting sustainable growth.
The Award is one of the flagship initiatives of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD 2016-2025) and recognises the role and collaboration of Mediterranean coastal cities and their Local Authorities in achieving UNEP/MAP’s vision of a healthy Mediterranean Sea and coastline in the context of sustainable development.
Candidate cities can submit their applications from 29 November 2024 to 15 April 2025 via the platform developed by INFO/RAC, the UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre.
COP 29: Exploring the Power of Strategic Finance
What would it cost to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the ever-increasing impacts of the climate emergency for all? The answer is a lot – somewhere in the range of trillions of dollars. Facing this hurdle and developing networked solutions was one of the key focal areas during UNFCCC COP 29 negotiations, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 – 22 November 2024. Although the outcome was not as ambitious as needed, there is a clear understanding that in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, there must be an increase of investment.
Training and Awareness Workshop at the INRH Tangier Regional Center for the Setting up of the First Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in M’diq
As part of the implementation of the Action Plan for the conservation of marine turtles in the Mediterranean, the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (UNEP-MAP-SPA/RAC) organized in close collaboration with the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INRH) in Tangier, Morocco, from November 21 to 23, 2024, a training and awareness-raising workshop for the setting up of the first Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in M’diq.
From Policy to Action: Accelerating Marine Restoration in the Mediterranean
On November 28, Plan Bleu organized the roundtable “From Policy to Action” as part of the D4N institutional dialogue, bringing together experts and stakeholders to promote marine restoration in the Mediterranean. Moderated by Constantin Tsakas (Chief Economist, Plan Bleu), the event discussed success stories, innovative financial mechanisms, and strategies to turn policies into action. Arnaud Terrisse (Program Officer, Plan Bleu) presented the ARTEMIS project, emphasizing the importance of integrating natural capital accounting and strengthening the protection and restoration of Posidonia seagrass meadows.
SUN&BLUE Congress in Almería
From November 20 to 22, the Sun&Blue Congress brought together Mediterranean experts to address sustainability and coastal management challenges. Plan Bleu presented the Handbook – Unpacking the Potential of ICZM Protocol and MSP Directive, showcasing practices that incorporate the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) for sustainable tourism. The organization also participated in debates on climate change adaptation for the tourism sector. The event highlighted the urgent need to act to protect Mediterranean coasts, a primary attraction of the region.
Promises for a global plastics treaty
The 5th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5) convened in the midst of a dense season of multilateral negotiations. Despite the fact that the negotiations were unable to successfully conclude its work, a clear signal has been sent indicating that now more than ever, stakeholders must come together to promote the establishment of a fair, climate-just agreement for all. Regional activities continue to be an important vehicle to amplify these messages, both responding to and influencing global dynamics.
Sixth Meeting of the Mediterranean Network of Law Enforcement Officials relating to MARPOL
The Sixth Meeting of the Mediterranean Network of Law Enforcement Officials relating to MARPOL within the framework of the Barcelona Convention (MENELAS), organised by REMPEC, gathered 18 participants representing 15 Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (14 Mediterranean coastal States and the European Union) as well as 2 regional and international organisations, in Lija, Malta from 4 to 5 December 2024.
The meeting fostered cooperation between the participating members of MENELAS to improve the enforcement of the international regulations covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships.
Mediterranean Pavilion at COP29: A unified voice for urgent climate action and innovative solutions
The COP29 hosted the Mediterranean Pavilion, an initiative conceived by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in partnership with UNEP/MAP to highlight both the urgent challenges the Mediterranean is currently facing, and the innovative solutions being developed, raising awareness of a region.
A highlight of the Pavilion was the presentation by MedECC, an independent network of over 600 Euro-Mediterranean climate and environmental scientists from 35 countries. They shared the latest findings on the impacts of climate and environmental change on coastal zones and the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems nexus. Their research indicates that by 2100, up to 20 million people could be displaced due to sea-level rise.
EU fishing fleet sees improved profitability but structural challenges remain
Last November 18th, the Commission released the 2024 Annual Economic Report on the European Union fishing fleet, showing a substantial improvement in the fleet’s economic performance, with gross profits increasing from both 2022 and 2023 to a projected €1,673 million in 2024.
The improvement is attributed to several factors, including: progress in achieving sustainable stocks; higher average first-sale prices for several key species; a reduction in fishing capacity; a decrease in fuel prices a decrease in fuel consumption.
Mediterranean Mooring Forum
On November 18, Plan Bleu, as leader of the ARTEMIS project, attended the Mediterranean Mooring Forum at the Palais du Pharo in Marseille, organized by the Interregional Mediterranean Sea. The event provided an opportunity for all those involved in anchoring in the Mediterranean – users, yachtsmen, managers, authorities, NGOs, civil society and companies – to discuss the issue of reducing the pressure of anchoring on marine ecosystems, particularly Posidonia.
National Workshop on the Ratification and Effective Implementation of MARPOL
On 26 November, REMPEC organized a national workshop on the ratification and effective implementation of MARPOL Annex VI, with a particular focus on the requirements of the Mediterranean Sulphur Oxides Emission Control Area (Med Sox ECA). The workshop was held in Alexandria, Egypt.
This National Workshop is organized in conjunction with the International Maritime Organization ITCP’s Programme and co-financed by the Italian Ministry for Environment and Energy Security, is a vital step toward strengthening regional efforts to reduce air pollution from ships and promote cleaner and more sustainable shipping practices in the Mediterranean Region.
#EUBeachCleanup 2024: Working together against marine litter
The #EUBeachCleanup is a worldwide awareness raising campaign against marine litter, organised by the European Union in partnership with the United Nations and the Smurfs.
It features events organised by the EU and UN offices across the globe, but also so many organised by NGOs, citizens, researchers or schools! The opportunity for EU Blue Schools network to put the ocean literacy curriculums in practice! For instance, in Nettuno Italy, students went on a field session to monitor the health status of some coastal waterways and beaches adopting a scientific monitoring protocol.
Ocean-Driven Solutions for a Sustainable Economy and Resilient Communities – EU Ocean Data webinar series
The third webinar in the EU Ocean Data Series will focus on how Earth observation, in situ, and modelled marine data can support the UN Ocean Decade initiative.
- Challenge 3: Sustainably feed the global population
- Challenge 4: Develop a sustainable, resilient and equitable ocean economy
- Challenge 6: Increase community resilience to ocean hazards
For more information, you can visit the EU Ocean Data webinar series website, where you can also find recordings and presentations from the previous two webinars.
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