UNEP/MAP-SPA/RAC participated in the TAIEX EPPA Sub-Regional Workshop to present the implementation of the SPA/BD Protocol, on February 17^th, 2021

UNEP/MAP-SPA/RAC participated in the TAIEX EPPA Sub-Regional Workshop on the implementation of the Barcelona Convention, which was held online on 16 and 17 February 2021. The meeting provided opportunities to discuss, among others, the national strategic documents necessary for implementing Barcelona Convention as well as the new policy instruments and action plans required for implementing the protocols.

Mr Khalil Attia, SPA/RAC Director, presented the main tools and modalities for the implementation of the SPA/BD protocol. A special focus was made on the Post-2020 SAPBIO, which represent the translation of the protocol into actions, to conserve and sustainably manage the marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean. The Post-2020 SAPBIO is currently being developed and should be submitted for adoption to the next COP of the Barcelona Convention by the end of 2021.

M. Attia underlined that the regional strategies and action plans and other tools set up under the SPA/BD Protocol, such as the SPAMI List, should allow harmonization and alignment of planning for biodiversity conservation in the region, while enhancing collaboration among the Mediterranean countries and synergies with other frameworks.

The Mediterranean is facing several environmental challenges, “a lot of work is ahead of us”, said Mr. Attia, who stressed the need to have high-level conservation objectives to reverse the loss of biodiversity, notably through more effective management and financing of the MPA network.

To Know more about the workshop and get the presentations, please visit: http://eppanetwork.eu