The 23rd Meeting (COP 23) of the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention) and its Protocols will take place from 5-8 December 2023 in Portoroz, Slovenia.
In accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Meetings and Conferences of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, COP 23 will review the progress achieved during the 2022-2023 biennium, consider strategic documents, and adopt decisions, including on the Programme of Work (PoW) and budget for the 2024-2025 biennium.
The overarching goal is to enhance the protection of the Mediterranean region’s marine and coastal environment in the context of sustainable development.
Preparatory process
Meetings of the Focal Points of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) constitute a crucial milestone in the two-year cycle of the work of UNEP/MAP and act as a preparatory meeting for the COP. The meeting of MAP Focal Points for the current biennium took place on 12-15 September in Istanbul, Türkiye.
In Istanbul the discussion among the MAP Focal Points unfolded around six main headlines that constitute the backbone of the COP 23 agenda:
- Consolidating the evidence base for the pursuit of Good Environmental Status in the Mediterranean.
- Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Mediterranean Region (SAP BIO).
- Taking aim at the sources of land-based pollution.
- Ingraining sustainability in the blue economy.
- Paving the way for UNEP/MAP activities during the 2024-2025 biennium.
- Enhancing governance, implementation, communication and advocacy.
Learn more about the outcomes of the 2023 meeting of the MAP Focal Points.
The COP 23 logo
In a recorded video message, H.E. Uroš Brežan, former Minister of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning of Slovenia, unveiled the COP 23 logo designed by the Host Country.
He explained that the design translates Slovenia’s commitment to the regional vision of a clean and healthy Mediterranean Sea and coast within the framework of the UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention system.
The shades of blue and green convey the importance that Slovenia devotes to “blue and green corridors in spatial planning”. The logo encompasses elements that symbolize the Sea, rivers and forests. The shape represents both the silhouette of a fish and the aspect of the iconic Posidonia oceanica, as a nod to the importance of protecting Mediterranean biodiversity.
Participants
Accredited representatives of the Contracting Parties (21 coastal Mediterranean countries and the European Union) and Observers will participate in COP 23, together with representatives of accredited MAP Partners and Intergovernmental Organizations.
Speakers during the opening session will include H.E. Fatma Varank, Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Türkiye, and President of the Bureau of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, H.E. Alenka Bratušek, Minister for Infrastructure, Acting Minister for Natural Resources and Spatial Planning of Slovenia, Ms. Elizabeth Mrema, UNEP Deputy Executive Director and Ms. Tatjana Hema, UNEP/MAP Coordinator.
The Ministerial Session of COP 23 will take place on 7 December 2023. The session will focus on the “Green transition in the Mediterranean: from decisions to actions”— a theme articulated by the Bureau of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols. The session will feature statements by the heads of delegations of the Contracting Parties and Observer organizations and will culminate in the adoption of the Portoroz Ministerial Declaration.
The winner of the 2023 edition of the Istanbul Environment Friendly City Award will receive the Award during the Ministerial Session.
Side-events
Side-events proposed by Contracting Parties and Observer organizations will also take place from 5-8 December 2023 at the COP 23 venue in Portoroz. For information concerning side-events, please contact polonca.skendzic(at)un.org
Media accreditation
Media accreditation for COP 23 is strictly reserved for members of the press: print, photo, radio, television, film, news agencies, and online media who represent a bona fide media organization.
Member States can register media, including journalists in the delegation and official photo and video specialists, on-site at the venue, by providing an official note from the Permanent Mission or the Embassy, along with a copy of a valid passport.
For more information on media accreditation for COP 23, contact ghannem(at)un.org
Follow COP 23 on social media:
Official hashtag: #COP23Med
- UNEP/MAP account on X (formerly Twitter): @UNEPMAPNews: https://twitter.com/unepmapnews
- UNEP/MAP account on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mediterranean-action-plan-barcelona-convention
