Supporting the Southern Mediterranean Contracting Parties in Implementing Ecosystem Approach to Achieve GES (EcAp MED PLUS Project)
2024-2027
Project Objective
The EcAp MED PLUS Project builds on the achievements of EcAp MED III Project. Its overall objective is to support the institutional and technical capacities of the Southern Mediterranean Contracting Parties (SMCPs) (i.e., Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia) in upgrading and implementing the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) policy and the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) in the Mediterranean, thus ensuring a sound progression towards achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Namely the EcAp MED PLUS Project will support the Southern Mediterranean Contacting Parties to address the following specific objectives:
- Support the next phase of implementation of the EcAp policy and roadmap, in particular by supporting SMCPs in updating IMAP at regional and national levels, as well as updating IMAP Info System;
- Further strengthen and progressively improve the capacities of SMCPs on effective IMAP implementation;
- Complementarily to the above-mentioned specific objectives, support SMCPs in reviewing/developing/upgrading the national Programmes of Measures (PoMs) and National Action Plans (NAPs);
- Support SMCPs in further developing cooperation capacities and opportunities at regional and sub-regional level in achieving GES and SDGs in the Mediterranean.
EcAp MED PLUS aims to further develop and streamline a solid base for a broadened Science Policy Interface (SPI) approach. The Project also aims to upscale the achievements of the SMCPs from its three previous phases, while providing an integrated contribution to the implementation of the UNEP/MAP 2022-2027 Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) and the upcoming biennial COP adopted Programmes of Work (PoW) for 2024-2025 and 2026-2027.
Partners
The EcAp MED PLUS Project activities will be implemented by the UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention Secretariat and MAP Components (i.e. MED POL, PAP/RAC, SPA/RAC, Plan Bleu and INFO/RAC) in line with their respective mandates and areas of expertise.
Alignment with Mid-Term Strategy
The EcAp MED PLUS Project provides an important contribution to the implementation of UNEP/MAP Mid-Term Strategy for 2022-2027 and Programme of Work for 2024-2025.
Funding
The EcAp MED PLUS Project is expected to be implemented over a period of 36 months, from March 2024 to February 2027, with an EC contribution of USD 2,2000,000 supplemented by UNEP/MAP co-financing from the MTF of USD 286,000.
Expected results:
The Project is expected to:
- Support SMCPs in the revision process of the IMAP at regional and national level and IMAP Info System update.
- Strengthen and stabilize the capacities and ownership that SMCPs have progressively developed in delivering national IMAP and quality assured data.
- Support the SMCPs in the revision/development/upgrade of PoMs at national level and of NAPs.
- Reinforce and streamline regional governance, synergies and SPI on EcAp implementation and GES achievement in the Mediterranean.
