Launch of the consultation process on the Draft Mediterranean Strategy for the Prevention of, and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships (2022-2031) and its Action plan – Nov 04, 2020

REMPEC launched a consultation process for the preparation of a Mediterranean Strategy for the Prevention of, and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships for the next ten years ((2022-2031) to address pressures from maritime activities exerted on marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean region

The consultation process involves national competent authorities from the 22 Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, relevant regional and international institutions and stakeholders addressing challenges and offering expertise, resources, and funding to progress in the improvement of the prevention of and response to marine pollution from ships in the Mediterranean region. The open consultation aim at:

1. defining, through a collaborative approach, the vision, the strategic directions, and objectives of a Mediterranean Strategy for the Prevention of, and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships for the next ten years ((2022-2031);
2. outlining the main institutions and stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities within their respective mandate, and identify required synergies; and
3. proposing a modus operandi (e.g. Action Plan) to ensure concerted planning, coordinated implementation, and monitoring procedures.

The initial draft Strategy was prepared taking into account Mediterranean coastal state’ priorities, as well as strategies adopted at Mediterranean, European and Global level and proposes a set of concrete actions for the next ten years to address identified priorities and challenges including Pollution (e.g. Oil spill and illicit discharge), climate change, air emission, plastic and marine litter, and non-indigenous species.

The feedback and suggestions received through the consultation process will be integrated in a revised version to be discussed at the Regional Meeting of National Experts on the Post-2021 Mediterranean Strategy for Prevention of and Marine Pollution from Ships to be held on 10 March 2020.