The Mediterranean Initiative on Taxonomy was elaborated by RAC/SPA in collaboration with an ad hoc group of experts that met in Tunis from April the 3^rd to the 5^th, 2003.

During their 13 rd Ordinary Meeting, the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention have taken note of this initiative and invited the Mediterranean countries to promote its implementation.

• Ensuring that the actions required at regional level to attain the objectives of the present Initiative are put into effect.
• Helping, as far as its means allow, the Contracting Parties to implement the actions required at national level to attain the objectives of the present Initiative.
• Assessing how far the Initiative has progressed, and preparing a report.
• Informing the National Focal Points for ASPs at each of their Meetings about the progress made in implementing the present Initiative.
• Collaborating with the concerned organisations and working so that the Mediterranean region participates in the pertinent international and/or regional initiatives.

In this context, international and/or non-governmental organisations, laboratories and any concerned organisation or body are invited to join in the work of implementing the present Initiative.