Second Coordination Meeting on the Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031) - Press Release – Nov 21, 2024

    Second Coordination Meeting on the Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031) - Press Release

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    The Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC) successfully organized the Second Coordination Meeting on the Mediterranean Strategy for the Prevention of, Preparedness, and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships (2022-2031), in Malta on 21 November 2024.

    Gathering over 40 representatives from Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, the International Maritime Organization, as well as representatives from relevant regional and international organizations and UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention Partners, this Meeting marked an important milestone of cooperation for the implementation of the Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031) by defining the priority actions for the 2026-2027 and beyond.  It also agreed in principle to the development of Framework on Gender and Youth Mainstreaming, aimed at ensuring that gender and youth considerations are integrated into all aspects of the Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031), promoting equality, inclusivity and empowerment throughout the Mediterranean Region.  The meeting also approved the Draft Guidance Document on the Preparation of National Action Plans (NAPs) for the Implementation of the Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031), for consideration by the next REMPEC Focal points Meeting to be held between 13-15 May 2025.

    Addressing the current environmental challenges at sea, the Mediterranean Strategy is guided by the vision for the whole Mediterranean "A clean and healthy Mediterranean marine and coastal environment with aa sustainable and pollution free maritime sector, supported by a rigorous enforcement system and strengthened multi-sectoral cooperation, for the benefit of present and future generations".

    The Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031), at the heart of the meeting, aims to provide guidance to the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention at the horizon 2031, to cooperate on the prevention, preparedness and response to marine pollution from ships.  It sets seven Common Strategic Objectives (CSOs) detailed below apply to the Mediterranean region as a whole, and Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, alongside the various organizations and institutions of the Mediterranean, each having a role to play in achieving these objectives.  As a matter of fact, meeting these objectives required a collective and coordinated effort, which was in the centre of the discussions.

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