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CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COASTAL REGION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AND ITS PROTOCOLS

OVERVIEW

United Nations Environment Programme Coordinating Unit for the Mediterranean Action Plan Barcelona Convention Secretariat

Vassileos Konstantinou 48, Athens 11635, Tel.: +30 210 7273100 – Fax: +30 210 7253196 www.unepmap.org CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COASTAL REGION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AND ITS PROTOCOLS

OVERVIEW The Mediterranean Action Plan • Barcelona Convention and its Protocols

Legal notice Copyright Credits The designations employed and the presentation This publication may be reproduced in whole or in Photography : of the material in this document do not imply the part and in any form for educational or non-profit cover page and page 8 : © Mathieu Foulquié - RAC/SPA expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part purposes without special permission from the pages 3, 7, 12, 22 : © Marko Prem of UNEP/MAP Coordinating Unit concerning the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement pages 11, 16 : © Luis Marie PREAU legal status of any State, Territory, city or area, or of the source is made. UNEP/MAP Coordinating page 15 : © Public institution Priroda if its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of Unit would appreciate receiving a copy of any page 17 : © RAC/SPA, University of Seville their frontiers or boundaries. publication that uses this publication as a source. page 18, 21 : © WWF Mediterranean This publication cannot be used for resale or page 19, 20 : © Panagiotis Loakeimidis for any other commercial purpose whatsoever without permission in writing for UNEP/MAP Graphic design : Coordinating Unit. © David Andrade The Mediterranean Action Plan • Barcelona Convention and its Protocols

A FRAMEWORK The first ever Conference capacities to identify better options environmental problems, and that FOR COOPERATION on the Human Environment was held in for development and sound decision meaningful and lasting environmental AND POLICY Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. bases for the allocation of resources. protection is inseparably linked to social The conference provided the framework The MAP also endorsed the preparation and economic development. for comprehensive consideration of of a framework convention for the The MAP’s focus gradually widened environmental issues and encouraging protection of the marine environment from a sectoral approach to pollution a common outlook and direction in against pollution, as well as two related control to integrated coastal zone efforts to improve the situation through protocols that would provide a legal planning and management as the key cooperation and agreement. basis for cooperation in protecting the tool through which solutions are being The establishment of the United Nations Mediterranean marine environment. sought. MAP Phase II was designed, Environment Programme (UNEP) was taking into account the achievements one of the major outcomes of the The Convention for the Protection of the and shortcomings of the MAP in Conference. Against Pollution the context of developments (Barcelona Convention) was adopted of environmental protection policies In 1974 UNEP established its Regional in 1976, together with two Protocols at the international level. Seas Programme with the scope of addressing prevention of pollution by coordinating activities aimed at the dumping from ships and aircraft, and protection of the marine environment cooperation in combating pollution through a regional approach. in cases of emergency. The three legal The Mediterranean Action Plan was the instruments entered into force on 12 first initiative to be developed under the February 1978. The Convention also Programme and became the model for made provisions for additional legal other Programmes across the globe. instruments to be adopted and was soon complemented by the Protocol In 1975, the Mediterranean States and on pollution from land-based sources the European Community approved the (1980), the Protocol concerning Specially Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) as the Protected Areas (1982), and the Offshore institutional framework for cooperation Protocol (1994). in addressing common challenges of environmental degradation. Although the MAP’s initial focus The MAP’s main objectives were to assist was on marine pollution control, the Mediterranean Governments to experience soon confirmed that assess and control marine pollution, to socio-economic trends, combined with formulate their national environmental poor management and planning of policies and to improve their development, are at the root of most

4 5 The Mediterranean Action Plan • Barcelona Convention and its Protocols

The Action Plan for the Protection The MAP’s renewed focus was also exchange of information, and of the Marine Environment and the reflected in the amendments of consultation; Sustainable Development of the the Barcelona Convention legal Coastal Areas of the Mediterranean instruments. The Convention the promotion of the integrated (MAP Phase II), adopted in 1995, aims for the Protection of the Marine management of the coastal zones taking to achieve the following objectives: Environment and the Coastal Region into account the protection of areas of of the Mediterranean (Barcelona ecological and landscape interest and to ensure the sustainable Convention), adopted in 1995, provides the rational use of natural resources. management of natural marine and a substantially extended field of land resources and to integrate the application and defines the obligations The main objectives of the Barcelona environment in social and economic of the Contracting Parties in protecting Convention are to assess and control development, and land-use policies; the environment and contributing marine pollution; to the sustainable development of to protect the marine environment the Mediterranean Region. These to ensure sustainable management and coastal zones through prevention of obligations include: of natural marine and coastal resources; pollution and by reduction and, as far as possible, elimination of pollutant inputs, the application of the precautionary to integrate the environment in social whether chronic or accidental; principle in taking cost-effective and economic development; measures to prevent environmental to protect nature, and protect and degradation; to protect the marine environment enhance sites and landscapes of and coastal zones through prevention ecological or cultural value; the application of the polluter pays and reduction of pollution, and as far principle for the cost of pollution as possible, elimination of pollution, to strengthen solidarity among prevention, control and reduction whether land or sea-based; Mediterranean coastal States in measures; managing their common heritage and to protect the natural and cultural resources for the benefit of present and the undertaking of environmental heritage; future generations; and impact assessment for activities that are likely to cause a significant adverse to strengthen solidarity among to contribute to the improvement impact on the marine environment; Mediterranean coastal States; and of the quality of life. the promotion of cooperation in environmental impact assessment to contribute to the improvement between and among States, including of the quality of life. beyond the limits of their national jurisdiction, on the basis of notification,

6 7 The Mediterranean Action Plan • Barcelona Convention and its Protocols

Seven Protocols addressing specific aspects of Mediterranean environmental In addition to national legislation INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK conservation complete the MAP legal framework: implementing the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, the Contracting Parties The 22 Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention are: , have also adopted a large number of , , The Protocol for the Prevention of The Protocol on the Prevention strategies, action plans, programmes, , , , , Greece, Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea of Pollution of the Mediterranean and measures that facilitate and enhance , , , , , by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft Sea by Transboundary Movements the effectiveness of the legal instruments , , , (adopted in 1976, amended in 1995); of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal at the regional and national levels. , , , , , (adopted in 1996); and the . The Protocol concerning Cooperation The Contracting Parties transmit to The Contracting Parties decide on the in Preventing Pollution from Ships and, The Protocol on Integrated the Secretariat reports on the legal, MAP policies, strategies, budget and in Cases of Emergency, Combating Coastal Zone Management in the administrative, and other measures programme of work at their ministerial Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea Mediterranean (adopted in 2008). taken for the implementation of the level meetings, held every two years. (adopted 2002, replacing the related Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, They appoint Focal Points to review Protocol of 1976); and the recommendations adopted the progress of work and ensure the during their meetings. The Contracting implementation of recommendations The Protocol for the Protection of the Parties’ reports include information at the national level. A rotating Bureau Mediterranean Sea against Pollution on the effectiveness of the measures of six representatives of the Contracting from Land-Based Sources and Activities as well as the problems encountered Parties provides guidance on the (adopted in 1980, amended in 1996); in their implementation. They also implementation of the Programme provide the basis for the assessment of Work in the interim period between The Protocol concerning Specially of compliance and for the provision of the biennial meetings. Protected Areas and Biological Diversity recommendations on the necessary in the Mediterranean (adopted in 1995, steps to achieve full compliance. The Mediterranean Commission on replacing the related Protocol of 1982) Sustainable Development (MCSD) was and Annexes (adopted in 1996, amended In 2013, the Contracting Parties to established in 1995 as an advisory in 2009, 2012, and 2013); the Barcelona Convention and its body to the Contracting Parties, Protocols decided to launch a process to assist them in their efforts to The Protocol for the Protection of the to assess MAP Phase II with the intention integrate environmental issues in their Mediterranean Sea against Pollution of addressing effectively the challenge socioeconomic programmes and to Resulting from Exploration and of sustainable development and the promote sustainable development Exploitation of the Continental Shelf irreversible nature of impacts on the policies in the Mediterranean region. and the Seabed and its Subsoil environment and resources, with The MCSD is unique in its composition (adopted in 1994); a view to elaborating a long term which includes, on an equal footing, common vision. government representatives, local

8 9 The Mediterranean Action Plan • Barcelona Convention and its Protocols

authorities, socioeconomic actors, IGOs, Programme of Work and corresponding with marine and coastal ecosystems international and regional levels and and NGOs. The MCSD coordinated Budget, specifying the actions that that are productive and biologically ensures high-level policy and political the preparation of the Mediterranean will be undertaken in the following diverse for the benefit of present and dialogue with external parties. Strategy on Sustainable Development biennium. future generations” and a list of related The Coordinating Unit also ensures (MSSD), which was adopted by the objectives, targets and indicators. the functioning of the Reporting Contracting Parties in 2005. The MAP Programme of Work is System and the Compliance Mechanism designed to facilitate and promote ORGANIZATION OF WORK of the Barcelona Convention and The Compliance Committee was the full implementation of the Protocols, and is entrusted with established in 2008 to advise and assist Barcelona Convention, its Protocols UNEP provides secretariat services to regularly reporting on the State of the the Contracting Parties in meeting and Strategies, as well as the Decisions the Contracting Parties through its Environment and Development in the their obligations under the Barcelona and Recommendations adopted by the MAP Coordinating Unit, established in Mediterranean. Convention and its Protocols, and to Meetings of the Contracting Parties. Athens in 1982, on the basis of a Host facilitate, promote, monitor, and ensure The Programme of Work is prepared and Country Agreement between Greece In implementing its Programme of such compliance. implemented by the MAP Coordinating and UNEP. The Greek Government Work, the Coordinating Unit receives Unit with the assistance of the Regional provides financial and logistical support the technical support and assistance PLANNING AND PROGRAMME Activity Centres. to MAP and accords the Secretariat of the MAP Components in accordance OF WORK diplomatic status. with their individual mandates, The Programme of Work is implemented and with specific decisions of the Activities carried out in the framework through assessed contributions The overall mission of the Coordinating Contracting Parties. of the MAP and Barcelona Convention provided by the Contracting Parties and Unit is to promote and facilitate the and its Protocols are planned based additional voluntary resources provided implementation of the Barcelona on an indicative programme that in support to specific projects and Convention, its Protocols and outlines the goals and expected activities. Strategies, and of the Decisions and outputs forecast for the following six Recommendations of the Contracting years. The Contracting Parties review At their 15th meeting, the Contracting Parties. It ensures the good functioning and revise the six-year programme, to Parties agreed to progressively of the MAP system, develops and ensure its effectiveness and relevance, apply an ecosystem approach to the implements the Programme of Work, considering the interim results and management of human activities that and supports the Contracting Parties status of implementation submitted may affect the Mediterranean marine in meeting their commitments under by the MAP Secretariat as well as the and coastal environment for the the Convention. The Coordinating results of State of the Environment (SoE) promotion of sustainable development. Unit organizes and provides the and compliance monitoring exercises. They adopted their ecological vision secretariat services for the meetings for achieving the good environmental of bodies established within the MAP Each Meeting of the Contracting status of the Mediterranean Sea and framework. It represents the Secretariat Parties also adopts a detailed two year Coast as “A healthy Mediterranean of the Barcelona Convention at the

10 11 THE MEDITERRANEAN plans, including programmes and POLLUTION ASSESSMENT measures, for the reduction and gradual AND CONTROL PROGRAMME elimination of pollution, the mitigation (MED POL) of the impacts of pollution and the restoration of systems damaged by MED POL’s main objective is to pollution; contribute to the prevention and elimination of land-based pollution of catalyzing and facilitating the the Mediterranean. MED POL assists the realization by the countries of the Contracting Parties, through planning pollution reduction actions listed in and coordination of initiatives and their National Action Plans by bridging actions, including promoting and between countries and international catalyzing synergies and investment and regional donors and financial programmes, to meet their obligations institutions; under the Barcelona Convention and the Dumping, LBS and the Hazardous regularly assessing loads of pollution Wastes Protocols. reaching the Mediterranean, and determining trends in coastal areas MED POL also facilitates the including pollution hot-spots; implementation of National Action Plans to address land-based collecting, analyzing and pollution and LBS-related legally disseminating data and information on binding programmes and action pressures and state of the marine and plans; and continuously assess the coastal environment; status and trends of pollution of the Mediterranean. supporting the Contracting Parties in the above areas through capacity Main fields of action: building and technical assistance. assessing the status and trends in the quality of the marine and coastal environment including health-related aspects of marine pollution;

promoting policy reforms for the implementation of national action

12 13 The Mediterranean Action Plan • Barcelona Convention and its Protocols

assistance in case of an emergency may result in a discharge of oil or other THE PLAN BLEU REGIONAL under the Offshore Protocol. hazardous and noxious substances and ACTIVITY CENTRE (PB/RAC) facilitating the exchange of information, Main fields of action: technological cooperation and training; The Plan Bleu/RAC’s main objective strengthening the capacities of the is to contribute to raising awareness coastal States in the region with a view providing a framework for the of Mediterranean stakeholders to preventing pollution of the marine exchange of information on operational, and decision makers concerning environment from ships and ensuring technical, scientific, legal and financial environment and sustainable the effective implementation in the matters, and promoting dialogue aimed development issues in the region, THE REGIONAL MARINE region of the rules that are generally at conducting coordinated action at the by providing future scenarios to assist POLLUTION EMERGENCY recognized at the international level national, regional and global levels for in decision-making. In this respect RESPONSE CENTRE FOR relating to the prevention of pollution the implementation of the Prevention and through its dual functions as an THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA from ships, and with a view to abating, and Emergency Protocol; and observatory of the environment and (REMPEC) combating and, to the fullest possible sustainable development and a centre extent, eliminating pollution of the assisting coastal States of the for systemic and prospective analysis, REMPEC is administered by the marine environment from shipping region, which in cases of emergency so PB/RAC provides the Contracting International Maritime Organization activities, including pleasure crafts; request, either directly or by obtaining Parties with assessments of the state (IMO) in cooperation with UNEP. assistance from the other Parties, or of the environment and development REMPEC’s main objective is to developing regional cooperation in when possibilities for assistance do of the Mediterranean and a solid basis contribute to preventing and reducing the field of the prevention of pollution not exist within the region, in obtaining of environmental and sustainable pollution from ships and combating of the marine environment from ships, international assistance from outside development data, statistics, and pollution in case of emergency. and facilitating cooperation among the region. indicators to support their action and REMPEC assists the Contracting Parties Mediterranean coastal States in order decision making process. PB/RAC’s in meeting their obligations under to respond to pollution incidents which activities are consistent with the priority the Barcelona Convention and the result or may result in a discharge of fields of action of the Mediterranean Prevention and Emergency Protocol as oil or other hazardous and noxious Strategy for Sustainable Development well as in implementing the Regional substances and which require (MSSD) and facilitate its implementation Strategy for Prevention of and Response emergency actions or other immediate and follow-up. to Marine Pollution from Ships, whose response; key objectives and targets are reflected Main fields of action: in the Mediterranean Strategy for assisting coastal States of the identifying, collecting and processing Sustainable Development (MSSD). Mediterranean region which so of environmental, economic and The Centre also assists the Contracting request in the development of their social data and statistics for the use of Parties which so request in mobilizing own national capabilities for response stakeholders and decision-makers; the regional and international to pollution incidents which result or

14 15 The Mediterranean Action Plan • Barcelona Convention and its Protocols

assessing the interaction between THE PRIORITY ACTIONS assisting countries in the landscape and heritage protection, the environment and economic and PROGRAMME REGIONAL implementation of demonstration/pilot coastal and soil erosion, infrastructure social development, and the building ACTIVITY CENTRE (PAP/RAC) coastal management projects (such as and transport, pollution and waste, of relevant indicators and tools to Coastal Area Management Programme climate change, and specific coastal measure progress towards sustainable The specific objective of PAP/RAC is to - CAMP) in selected local Mediterranean ecosystems. development; contribute to sustainable development coastal areas to demonstrate the of coastal zones and sustainable use application of ICZM as a major preparing analyses and prospective of their natural resources. PAP/RAC tool, with a view to implementing studies to assist in constructing visions of provides assistance to Mediterranean specifically the ICZM Protocol. CAMP the future as an aid to decision-making; countries in the implementation of the projects have the goal to implement Barcelona Convention, in meeting their instruments and procedures for disseminating the findings of obligations under the ICZM Protocol sustainable development in project this work in appropriate forms and and in implementing the MSSD. areas; to identify and apply relevant channels, including the regular methodologies and tools; to contribute publications of state of environment and Main fields of action: to capacity building at the local, development reports and environment assisting the Contracting Parties in national and regional levels; and to and development outlook for the formulating and implementing national secure the broad use of the results THE SPECIALLY PROTECTED Mediterranean region; and strategies for action plans under the achieved; AREAS REGIONAL ACTIVITY ICZM Protocol; CENTRE (SPA/RAC) assisting the Contracting Parties in developing regional cooperation assessing the implementation of the assisting countries in the region in in the field of capacity building and The specific objective of SPA/RAC MSSD in their National Sustainable strengthening their capacities with awareness raising on the importance is to contribute to the protection Development Strategies. a view of facilitating the sustainable of the integrated management of and preservation and sustainable development of coastal zones by coastal zones through the organization management of marine and coastal ensuring that environment and of training, education and awareness– areas of particular natural and cultural landscapes are taken into account in raising activities, networking, value and threatened and endangered harmony with economic, social and publications and the dissemination species of flora and fauna. cultural development; preserving of information; and coastal zones and their integrity; SPA/RAC provides assistance to the ensuring the sustainable use of coastal developing ICZM methodologies Contracting Parties in meeting their natural resources; and achieving and tools as well as addressing specific obligations under the Barcelona coherence between public and private sectoral issues with a coastal focus Convention, and under the Specially initiatives and between all decisions by in the framework of ICZM, such as Protected Areas and Biological Diversity the public authorities at all levels that urban development, natural resources Protocol; and implementing the impact coastal zones; management, sustainable tourism, Strategic Action Programme for the

16 17 The Mediterranean Action Plan • Barcelona Convention and its Protocols

Conservation of Biological Biodiversity framework, ensuring their networking THE REGIONAL ACTIVITY providing technical assistance in the Mediterranean Region (SAP BIO) and synergies with all relevant regional CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE to the public and private sector of as well as the MSSD. networks, particularly with Natura 2000 CONSUMPTION AND Mediterranean countries for reducing network, with the aim of preventing PRODUCTION (SCP/RAC) land-based pollution, particularly Main fields of action: and reducing the loss of marine and harmful substances and hazardous facilitating and encouraging the coastal biodiversity; and The objective of SCP/RAC is to waste; development of research to complete contribute to pollution prevention the knowledge base and fill in contributing to capacity-building and sustainable and efficient boosting green competitiveness as knowledge gaps on marine and coastal and technical support and assisting management of services, products a tool through which managers and biodiversity in the Mediterranean the countries to mobilize additional and resources based on the Sustainable industrialists drive Mediterranean small region; financial resources to implement the Consumption and Production and medium enterprises to succeed in SPA and Biological Diversity Protocol. integrated approach adopted by UNEP. the global market; facilitating and contributing to In this regard, taking fully into inventorying, mapping and monitoring account the objectives identified by SCP/RAC provides assistance to the fostering mechanisms through Mediterranean marine and the Johannesburg World Summit on Contracting Parties in implementing which sustainable criteria are coastal biodiversity and Specially Sustainable Development (2002), the Barcelona Convention, the LBS progressively introduced within the Protected Areas; within the context of the principles Protocol, the Hazardous Waste whole consumption-production system and approaches identified in the Protocol, and the Offshore Protocol, of organizations and enterprises facilitating and contributing to introductory section covering all MAP in which sustainable production and such as eco-labeling, sustainable the assessment and mitigation of components, particular emphasis is consumption plays a crucial role, as procurement, sustainable management the impact of threats on marine and placed by SPA/RAC in its work on the well as the other Protocols in which of industrial areas, and corporate social coastal biodiversity, including from responsible fisheries principle. the shift to sustainable consumption responsibility; and unsustainable fisheries practices; and production is key to attain their objectives. SCP/RAC also provides promoting sustainable lifestyles contributing to and assisting assistance to the Contracting Parties that really fit the specific cultural, countries in the conservation of in promoting and using relevant natural, economic and social heritage sensitive habitats, species and sites; mechanisms. of Mediterranean societies and contributing to create information and promoting the establishment Main fields of action: education for sustainable consumption. of Specially Protected Areas and contributing to creating knowledge Specially Protected Areas of for decision makers on the links Mediterranean Importance (SPAMIs) between the patterns of consumption in the Mediterranean including and production and the environmental areas beyond national jurisdiction in degradation of the Mediterranean conformity with the international legal region;

18 19 The Mediterranean Action Plan • Barcelona Convention and its Protocols

sound environmental knowledge, INFO/ Convention and of related programmes RAC strives for close cooperation with on the environmental and sustainable other key environment institutions development policies of individual and international bodies working on Contracting Parties; environmental data and information management, to progressively move strengthening the knowledge base towards a Shared Environmental for bridging the gap between science, Information System (SEIS). environmental monitoring and policy-making in the Mediterranean region, taking into account existing THE REGIONAL ACTIVITY Main fields of action: efforts at the Mediterranean level to CENTRE FOR INFORMATION designing and implementing a focus on good practices relevant to AND COMMUNICATION common environmental and spatial the implementation of the Barcelona (INFO/RAC) data infrastructure and network Convention and of the MSSD; and services (InfoMAP) for internal (UNEP/ The objective of INFO/RAC is to MAP) and external information among promoting the sharing of contribute to collecting and sharing Mediterranean coastal States as a experiences and results stemming information, raising public awareness support to the Contracting Parties in from environmental research and and participation and enhancing carrying out coordinated activities at innovative technologies, including decision-making processes at the the national and regional levels, for the those resulting from earth observation regional, national and local levels. In full implementation of the Barcelona initiatives relevant to the Mediterranean this context, the mission of INFO/RAC Convention, its Protocols and the MSSD; environment and sustainable is to provide adequate information development. and communication services and providing technical assistance to infrastructure technologies to the Contracting Parties in on-line reporting Contracting Parties to implement the activities; Barcelona Convention’s Article 12 on public participation and Article 26 on improving the MAP corporate reporting, as well as several articles communication, promoting education related to reporting requirements initiatives and participation and under the different Protocols, thus ownership of Contracting Parties; strengthening MAP information management and communication promoting public participation and capabilities. With a view to ensuring raising awareness on the activities availability of coherent and scientifically of UNEP/MAP, of the Barcelona

20 21 COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIP

International Organizations MAP cooperates with various UN entities and other Inter-Governmental organisations active in the field of Mediterranean environmental protection. It also recognizes the expertise of Mediterranean Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), supports their initiatives and encourages their participation in MAP activities.

Such partnerships provide support for capacity building and technical assistance for the development of measures and the implementation of the Barcelona Convention and Protocols.

Civil society Since the inception of MAP, the Contracting Parties have recognized the value of public awareness and support from civil society in fulfilling their mission of protecting the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment and promoting sustainable development in the region. The Contracting Parties have developed fruitful working relations with civil society organizations by granting Observer and Partner status to Non-Governmental Organizations, thus encouraging their participation in MAP meetings, activities, and overall goals set up under the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols.

MAP Partners are international and regional NGOs, as well as national and local NGOs from Mediterranean riparian States. Many of the activities in MAP’s Programme of Work have been carried out in cooperation with MAP Partners, several of which also hold membership in the MCSD on an equal footing with the Contracting Parties. MAP also provides assistance to Partners from developing Mediterranean countries with a view to further strengthening their capacities.

22 23 The Mediterranean Action Plan • Barcelona Convention and its Protocols

United Nations Environment Programme Coordinating Unit for the Mediterranean Action Plan Barcelona Convention Secretariat

Vassileos Konstantinou 48, Athens 11635, Greece Tel.: +30 210 7273100 – Fax: +30 210 7253196 www.unepmap.org