Friday, December 8, 2023
The 23rd Meeting (COP23) of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols convened from December 5 to 8, 2023, in Portoroz, Slovenia. During this gathering, crucial measures were adopted to safeguard ecosystems in response to the escalating challenges posed by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Prime Minister Robert Golob of the Republic of Slovenia inaugurated the Ministerial Session on December 7, emphasizing the prioritization of nature conservation in the Mediterranean under the Slovenian presidency of the Barcelona Convention for the 2024-2025 biennium. Prime Minister Golob encouraged participants to actively address this issue in their respective countries, asserting that despite challenges, persistent efforts would yield meaningful results, providing purpose to their political careers.
Outlined in the Portoroz Ministerial Declaration, the Contracting Parties, comprising 21 countries and the European Union, pledged to undertake substantial shifts to decouple economic advancement from environmental degradation drivers. They also committed to accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the Mediterranean region.
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UNEP, underscored the significance of the green transition, emphasizing the role of science, technology, governance improvements, and nature-based solutions. Cooperation among Mediterranean countries, recognizing varying resources, was deemed essential.
COP23 endorsed the two-year Programme of Work and budget of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) and mandated the revision of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development. This revision aims to propel the green transition in the region, utilizing the SDGs as a blueprint and science as the foundation for actionable measures. The urgency for action was underscored by the findings of the Mediterranean Quality Status Report (2023 MED QSR), a comprehensive environmental assessment presented at COP23.
On December 7, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UNEP/MAP and the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS). The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in protecting whale and dolphin species facing various threats.
Contracting Parties emphasized the need for robust implementation at the national level and expressed a commitment to transforming decisions into impactful actions, aiming for Good Environmental Status and fulfilling the objectives set by UNEP/MAP 50 years ago.
COP23 witnessed progress in formulating the Mediterranean region’s response to the triple planetary crisis, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
Contracting Parties decided to establish a Regional Activity Centre on Climate Change hosted by Turkey and endorsed the Summary for Policymakers of the Special Report on Climate and Environmental Coastal Risks by MedECC.
The Portoroz Ministerial Declaration commits to conserving and effectively managing at least 30% of coastal and marine areas by 2030. The commitment also extends to halting the degradation of marine and coastal biodiversity through the effective implementation of the Mediterranean region’s post-2020 Biodiversity Framework.
COP23 adopted decisions on the conservation of endangered marine species, extending protection to additional sharks and rays, implementing management measures for specific ray species, restoring the Pinna nobilis, and strengthening the network of Specially Protected Areas and Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMIs).
New legally binding, time-bound Regional Plans on agriculture, aquaculture, and urban stormwater management were adopted. Regarding plastic pollution, the Contracting Parties acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach, considering the entire lifecycle of plastic. Commitments were also made to implement the global framework on chemicals adopted at ICCM5.
On air pollution from ships, the Contracting Parties pledged to enforce the Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides and urged non-party states to ratify the MAPROL Annex VI to the Convention for it to enter into force on May 1, 2025.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
