What is SMAP ?
SMAP

The Short and Medium-term Priority Environmental Action Programme (SMAP) is a framework programme of action for the protection of the mediterranean environment, within the context of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. It was adopted unanimously by the Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on the Environment, held in Helsinki on the 28 November 1997.

The SMAP is the common basis for environmental purposes (as regards both policy orientation and funding) in the Mediterranean region. Therefore, it is understood that :

• efforts need to be concentrated at both national and regional levels;
• coherence and synergies need to be ensured with existing multilateral programmes and legal instruments, while respecting the specificity of each forum;
• chances to attract more funding for the environment in the region need to be increased while optimising use of the existing ones;
• transparency and broad public support of the SMAP, including from civil society, need to be secured in view of ensuring its full implementation;

The Partners have selected by consensus the following five priority fields of action for the SMAP : Integrated Water Management, Waste Management, Hot Spots ( covering both polluted areas and threatened biodiversity elements ), Integrated Coastal Zone Management, and Combatting Desertification.

The SMAP also provides for a follow-up mechanism, including :

• a Network of SMAP Correspondents, to meet annually;
• a reporting system;
• a review mechanism, after two years, which might lead to adjustments of the Programme if needed, to be adopted at Ministerial level;
• consultation practices, also involving the civil society, for the implementation of the SMAP and its eventual modifications.

The MEDA instrument could become an important catalyst in implementing the SMAP and protecting the mediterranean environment. The European Investment Bank is also ready and willing to participate. Other donors (public and private) should join in and be mobilised in the same direction, as well.

Active participation at all levels, including the Non-Governmental Organisations, is indispensable to ensure successful implementation of this common exercise.

Full text of the adopted Programme.