The delegates will debate and adopt a number of decisions on biodiversity and ecosystems, land and sea-based pollution, sustainable consumption and production, and climate change adaptation. These decisions, which address specific issues of the implementation of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, will define strategies and actions on sustainable development in the Mediterranean.

Under the theme “Forty Years of Cooperation for Healthy and Productive Mediterranean Sea and Coast: 
A Collective Journey Towards Sustainable Development”, a ministerial session will be held on 11 February during which Mediterranean ministers are expected to renew their commitment and determination to address together the emerging challenges related to environmental protection and sustainable development of the Mediterranean Sea and coast, in the global framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the UN General Assembly.

Corals in the Mediterranean
The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation will present the last assessment of Mediterranean Anthozoans (corals,anemones, sea pens…). 136 species of Anthozoans natives to the Mediterranean Sea have been assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Nearly 13% are threatened and more than half of the species lack enough information to estimate their risk of extinction. The IUCN’s report IUCN highlight the need to have more efficient legal protection, and reduce the bycatch of anthozoans by the enforcement and expansion of fishing restrictions on bottom trawling and towed dredge. Further research and monitoring programmes should be target data deficient and threatened species have been underlined as well.

The Meeting coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP)-Barcelona Convention.

For further information: Alain Jeudy