Implementation of the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) in the Mediterranean by the Contracting parties in the context of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal region of the Mediterranean and its Protocols (EcAp-MED I)
2012-2015
The EcAp-MED I project supported UNEP/MAP to implement the Ecosystem Approach roadmap in the Mediterranean in synergy with the EU MSFD. The project supported the assessment of the state of the marine and coastal environment including socio-economic aspects in the Mediterranean and assisted the establishment of the Mediterranean sea and coast ecological and operational objectives based on the ecosystem approach, and an Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme. In addition, it supported the 2015 Marine Litter assessment in the Mediterranean, the development of the Offshore Action Plan and the building a framework to facilitate the joint establishment of SPAMIs in open seas. The total budget of the project was € 1,716,000.
As such, the project supported UNEP/MAP to achieve the following milestone deliverables:
- preparation of the regionally applicable targets, GES and indicators, principles and roadmap for an Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme, and through integrating the Ecosystem Approach to the overall work of the Barcelona Convention (COP18 EcAp Decision IG.21/3);
- preparation of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme of the Mediterranean Sea and Coast and Related Assessment Criteria, (COP19 IMAP Decision IG.22/7);
- preparation of the Mediterranean Offshore Action Plan in the framework of the Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution resulting from Exploration and Exploitation of the Continental Shelf and the Seabed and its Subsoil, (COP19 Offshore Action Plan Decision IG.22/3);
- preparation of the Fishing for Litter Guidelines, Assessment Report, Baselines Values, and Reduction Targets Marine Litter, Implementing the Marine Litter Regional Plan in the Mediterranean (COP19 Decision IG.22/10).
The project has also contributed to better understanding of socio-economic perspectives of Ecosystem Approach, through specific socio-economic analysis and it has contributed to the development of SPAMIs by holding consultation meetings between the neighboring countries in the selected areas. Furthermore, is has intensified consultation and cooperation between the Secretariats of GFCM, ACCOBAMS and IUCN-MED in areas of common interest and assisted in sharing best practices in the area of biodiversity.
