The 23rd Meeting (COP23) of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, held in Portoroz, Slovenia, has taken significant measures to safeguard ecosystems amidst the growing challenges posed by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

The Portoroz Ministerial Declaration, endorsed by the Contracting Parties consisting of 21 countries and the European Union, commits to radical shifts to decouple economic progress from environmental degradation drivers. The declaration aims to expedite the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Mediterranean, stressing the importance of nature-based solutions and regional cooperation, especially considering varying financial and technological resources among Mediterranean countries.

UNEP Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Maruma Mrema stressed the role of the green transition, calling for progress in science, technology, governance frameworks, and public awareness, with regional cooperation being crucial. COP23 adopted the two-year Programme of Work and budget for the Mediterranean Action Plan of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP/MAP) and mandated the revision of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development.

The Mediterranean Quality Status Report (2023 MED QSR) presented at COP23 highlighted the urgency of action, leading to the adoption of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNEP/MAP and the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS) on December 7. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in protecting whale and dolphin species facing various threats.

Tatjana Hema, the UNEP/MAP Coordinator, stressed the need for national-level implementation to turn decisions into impactful action and achieve Good Environmental Status.

COP23 also witnessed the establishment of a Regional Activity Centre on Climate Change hosted by Türkiye, with endorsement of the Summary for policymakers of the Special Report on Climate and Environmental Coastal Risks by MedECC. The Contracting Parties recommitted to Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) to ensure the blue economy's development aligns with environmental conservation.

Addressing nature and biodiversity loss, the Contracting Parties pledged to conserve and manage at least 30 % of coastal and marine areas by 2030, aligning with the post-2020 Biodiversity Framework. Decisions under the SPA/BD Protocol extended protection to additional shark and ray species, introduced measures for ray species, restored Pinna nobilis, and strengthened the network of Specially Protected Areas and Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMIs).

To combat pollution and waste, legally binding Regional Plans on agriculture, aquaculture, and urban stormwater management were adopted. The Contracting Parties committed to a comprehensive approach to plastic pollution, recognising ongoing global negotiations on a legally binding instrument. They also affirmed their commitment to implementing the global framework on chemicals. In addressing air pollution from ships, the parties vowed to enforce the Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides. They urged states not yet party to the MAPROL Annex VI to ratify the Convention promptly for the measure to take effect on May 1, 2025.

More information:

• Press release
• Summary report of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)