The Secretariat of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols invites Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) to apply for accreditation as partners of the Mediterranean Action Plan of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP/MAP). Accredited NGOs are referred to as MAP Partners.
Partnerships offer a mechanism for all actors to become involved in the work of UNEP/MAP in support of the implementation of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols.
MAP Partners contribute to achieving a healthy Mediterranean Sea and Coast in the context of sustainable development
The Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention recognize the value of cooperation with civil society in fulfilling the mission of UNEP/MAP in protecting the marine and coastal environment and promoting sustainable development in the Mediterranean.
MAP Partners provide expert policy and technical advice and promote the policies, strategies and programmes derived from the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols. They contribute to raising awareness and public participation on important issues related to environmental protection and sustainable development in the Mediterranean.
A seat at the table
MAP Partners participate as Observers in the meetings of the Contracting Parties as well as in activities carried out in the framework of the UNEP/MAP Programme of Work.
They are also eligible for membership in the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development, an advisory body to the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention in which government representatives, local authorities, socioeconomic actors, Intergovernmental Organizations and NGOs participate on an equal footing.
On 24-25 October 2019 MAP Partners were invited to participate in a regional consultation on the themes of the 21st Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP21). Participants had their say on the Naples Ministerial Declaration and the UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2027) that is currently under preparation (learn more about the roadmap for the evaluation of the MTS 2016-2021 and the preparation of the MTS 2022-2027).
Eligibility and application procedure
The general and specific accreditation criteria are described in Annex II of Decision IG.19/6 of the Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols.
Eligible NGOs interested in being considered for accreditation are requested to submit the completed application form to the UNEP/MAP Coordinating Unit serving as Secretariat for the Barcelona Convention.
Applications will be examined according to the accreditation procedure described in Annex II of Decision IG.19/6 of the Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols.
The Contracting Parties will consider the accreditation of proposed new MAP Partners during their 22nd meeting in December 2021.
Resources for applicants
