1. The Mediterranean Sea Programme (MedProgramme)
Enhancing Environmental Security
Lorenzo Galbiati – UN Environment MAP, Tivat, 25 September 2017
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2. Background
The development of an “Assessment of the Transboundary Pollution Issues in the Mediterranean” as a basis to update the 1997 Mediterranean Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA).
The developed and adoption of the SAP-MED, 1997; and SAP-BIO, 2003.
The execution of the MedPartnership, and the ClimVar & ICZM, projects.
The cooperation between UNEP/MAP and GEF date back to 1997 with the development of…(TDA).
Under the leadership of UNEP/MAP, the Mediterranean countries developed and adopted…Strategic Action Programme to Address Pollution from Land-Based Activities SAP-MED, 1997
Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Biological Diversity SAP-BIO, 2003.
Building on these strategic instruments, the GEF decided to further support the political, technical and legal framework provided by the MAP and Barcelona Convention, financing the Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem (MedPartnership) and the Integration of Climatic Variability and Change into National Strategies to Implement the ICZM Protocol in the Mediterranean (ClimVar and ICZM) projects. 2
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3. Background
The 136 activities implemented under the 2 projects, together with the 81 on the ground pilot demonstrations.
Reinforcement of IWRM and Coastal Aquifers management at regional and national level.
National Coastal Strategies in 3 countries. IMF and demonstrations (Montenegro/Albania and Algeria).
PCB inventories and disposal of 910 tons in 3 Countries.
Development of NEW Marine Protected Areas in 9 Countries
The two projects were instrumental to: i) enable a coordinated strategic approach to setup and catalyze the policy, and legal and institutional reforms necessary to reverse the degradation trends affecting the Mediterranean LME; ii) support countries in the initial implementation of the SAPs and of the most recently developed ICZM Protocol adopted in 2011; and iii) to translate the SAP priorities into National Action Plans (NAPs), which clearly identify the main hotspots and priorities for intervention in the region.
Development of the ICZM Strategy for Montenegro;
Buna/Bojana Integrated Resource Management plan;
Management of coastal aquifers;
Establishing new MPAs by SPA/RAC.
The 136 activities implemented on the ground pilot demonstrations led to significant results at regional and national level, while allowing to test the feasibility and the effectiveness of management tools, practices and technical measures in the region.
All these results, both in terms of quantity and quality have been essential for the creation of a positive trend and a momentum that add strength and support to the implementation of the Barcelona Convention and its protocols. This gives even more enthusiasm for a future when such projects like the MedPartnership and ClimVar & ICZM should be replicated to ensure that the expression “Together for the Mediterranean” goes far beyond being a nice motto but is rather translated into concrete actions. 3
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4. Why do we need expanded efforts for the Mediterranean region?
The need for a higher level of effort at the national and regional level.
Decisions taken during COP19 (February 2016).
Renewed and expanded effort is not only justified by the continuing degradation of the Mediterranean coastal zone and shallow marine environments…
…but also urgent in view of the growing impacts of climate variability, and of the loss of livelihoods and dramatic deterioration of social conditions along critical sections of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean shores.
Having completed the stage of assessments, diagnostics, priority setting, planning and experimentation, the GEF eligible countries of the Mediterranean expressed, …including a mechanism to support and foster coherent investments as identified by the NAPs in the Mediterranean.
The same concerns and requests have been raised by the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention in several instances and most recently transpire from …
A coordinated answer to these challenges comes from the UNEP/MAP Medium Term Strategy (MTS), approved by the COP19.
The MTS is meant to guide the path for the protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean and is a clear expression of the commitment and support of the Mediterranean countries to the sustainable development of the Region. 4
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5. Where do we stand and why do we need expanded efforts for the Mediterranean region?
Sustainable economic and social development
Climate change resilience
Adaptation to climate change
Water security, demand, supply
This is often translated into key words that we herd when discussing about the Mediterranean Region…
Pollution prevention
De-pollution
Sustainable Financing
IWRM, ICZM
Sanitation
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Consumption and Production 5
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6. The answer…
A coordinated answer to these challenges comes from the UNEP/MAP Medium Term Strategy (MTS), approved by the COP19 in 2016.
The MTS is a clear guidance to support countries in providing a more effective and exhaustive response to the provisions of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols and of other legally binding agreements and soft laws.
UNEP/MAP action is also driven by the achievement of SDG and global targets.
This approach should lead to a comprehensive and powerful response to the environmental and social challenges in the Mediterranean region.
The MTS is meant to guide the path for the protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean
It is a clear expression of the commitment and support of the Mediterranean countries to the sustainable development of the Region.
…among them in particular the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions and the GPA.
This is translated in a portfolio of programmes and projects to support the MTS and PoW of UNEP/MAP 6
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7. What is the MedProgramme?
The MedProgramme aims to accelerate the implementation of agreed upon priority actions to reduce the major transboundary environmental stresses affecting the Mediterranean Sea and its coastal areas while strengthening climate resilience and water security, and improving the health and livelihoods of coastal populations.
Building on the previous experiences with the GEF and at the request of the Mediterranean countries, the MedProgramme is central to such approach.
Through the joining of forces of three GEF focal areas and of numerous partners including UN agencies, development banks, MAP Regional Activity Centres, NGOs and others under the leadership of UNEP/MAP, the MedProgramme is expected
to achieve large-scale impacts in terms of improved livelihood and health of coastal populations, water security, and sustainability of marine and coastal ecosystem services. 7
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8. The MedProgramme: Features
Barcelona Convention and its components (Regional Activity Centres), EBRD, EIB, UNESCO, IUCN, WWF-MedPO, GWP-MED.
It has been endorsed by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco and Tunisia.
GEF grant approx. US$ 47,390,000.
It complements its technical assistance interventions with a large investment portfolio to address the needs defined by the updated NAPs, supported by the EIB and EBRD.
The MedProgramme is funded through a large GEF grant approx. US$ 47,390,000 including the project preparation grants and the fees for the Implementing Agencies.
MedProgramme complement its technical assistance interventions with a large investment portfolio to address the needs defined by the updated NAPs, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The GEF grants will be used by the EIB to develop pre-investment studies to target hotspots and priority areas identified by the updated NAPs (2015) and to unlock investments for a min. of US$ 600,0000,000. 8
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9. The MedProgramme: Structure
The MedProgramme builds on four components 1
Reduction of Land Based Pollution in Priority Coastal Hotspots, and Measuring Progress to Impacts. 2
Enhancing Sustainability and Climate Resilience in the Coastal Zone.
This structure fully reflects the priorities adopted by the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention in the UNEP/MAP MTS and other instruments such has the RCCAF and the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD). 3
Protecting Marine Biodiversity. 4
Knowledge Management and Programme Coordination. 9
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10. The MedProgramme: Structure1
Reduction of Land Based Pollution in Priority Coastal Hotspots, and Measuring Progress to Impacts.
1.1 Reducing Pollution from Harmful Chemicals and Wastes in Mediterranean Hot Spots and Measuring Progress to Impact
1.2 Mediterranean Pollution Hot Spots Investment Project.
1.3 Mediterranean Sea Finance for Water Systems and Clean Coasts (FINWACC).
Reduction and disposal of 3,250 tones of POPs and 50 tones of Mercury.
Private/public WWTP extension and upgrade including treated wastewater reuse/reinjection and depollution of catchment areas in priority coastal hotspots.
Common regional standards on wastewater and sludge management and reuse, developed.
Baseline TDA is updated by the end of the programme.
Report on progress to impacts and on the achievement of relevant SDGs.
Data sharing regional policy prepared as an input for the deliberation of the CPs to the Barcelona Convention.
Definition of minimum 20 locations for offshore reference monitoring stations. 10
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11. Enhancing Sustainability and Climate Resilience in the Coastal Zone.
The MedProgramme: Structure 2
Enhancing Sustainability and Climate Resilience in the Coastal Zone.
2.1 Mediterranean Coastal Zones Climate Resilience Water Security and Habitat Protection.
2.2 Mediterranean Coastal Zones: Managing the Water-Food-Energy and Ecosystem NEXUS.
At least 12,5 M hectares under improved management of landscapes and seascapes.
At least 3 countries implementing ICZM strategies, plans and approaches.
At least 300 persons trained, reflecting gender, on ICZM, MSP and CVC adaptation and at least 1,000 persons involved in awareness raising activities on coastal resilience and sustainability.
At least 5 priority coastal aquifers and related habitats under improved conjunctive surface and groundwater management, at least 3 countries have initiate nation-wide dialogues on conjunctive surface and groundwater management solutions
At least 3 priority coastal areas have a Nexus Strategy / Action Plan, and at least 1 transboundary basin/aquifer with enhanced cooperation framework.
At least 3 fiches of projects for priority interventions and/or investments. 11
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12. The MedProgramme: Structure3
Protecting Marine Biodiversity 4
Knowledge Management and Programme Coordination.
3.1 Management Support and Expansion of Marine Protected Areas in Libya.
4.1 Mediterranean Sea Basin Environment and Climate Regional Support Project.
leas2,500 additional hectares of marine areas under protection in Libya.
At least 1 MPA endowed with a management plan in Libya.
At least 2 sites covered by marine megafauna monitoring programmes.
At least 2 monitoring networks for marine key habitats established.
At least 5 training sessions to Libyan nationals on MPA networks planning and management, marine key habitats mapping, and marine megafauna monitoring.
At least 10 experience notes and peer reviewed scientific publications documenting the knowledge generated across the portfolio of interventions.
At least 5 awareness-raising tools aimed at the regional and global audiences produced. 12
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13. The MedProgramme: Synergies with The Special Climate Change Funds
The CCA project builds on the Regional Climate Change Adaption Framework (RCCAF) adopted by COP19 in 2016 and is funded by the SCCF with US$ 1,000,000.
It has been endorsed by Albania, Algeria, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco and Tunisia.
UNEP/MAP is leading the execution of the project together with PAP/RAC, Plan Bleu, GWP-Med.
With the support of the GEF Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), the CCA project assists the countries to increase the resilience of the Mediterranean marine and coastal areas to the impacts of climate change with the view to influencing wider development processes in the region.
Support the main stakeholders to enhance coordination in mainstreaming climate change adaptation considerations into coastal management.
Enhancing coastal zone sustainability and resilience to climatic variability and change through the implementation of the Barcelona Convention ICZM Protocol.
Produce guidelines to prepare a financing plan for climate change adaptation in coastal areas taking into account domestic, international and private sector investment. 13
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14. The MedProgramme: Child Project 2.1
MEDITERRANEAN COASTAL ZONES CLIMATE RESILIENCE WATER SECURITY AND HABITAT PROTECTION
Address the management of Mediterranean coastal zones, where the most pressing climate related and sustainability concerns are concentrated, and where most marine degradation originates.
Its purpose is to assist countries, coastal zone managers and populations to:
adapt to evolving climatic conditions threatening sustained freshwater supply;
to introduce land use policies and development practices respectful of the intrinsic vulnerabilities, gender equality, natural and cultural functions, freshwater-seawater interactions.
The actions of the project will geographically extend to the spatial components of the Source-to-Sea continuum: basins/aquifers, coastal and marine zones. In selected countries, the project will support the implementation of comprehensive ICZM approaches.
Moreover in selected countries and critical coastal sections, the project will support the implementation of actions foreseen in the Action Plans on the sustainable management of coastal aquifers and groundwater related ecosystems agreed upon by the countries as part of the previous GEF projects under the BCN Convention. 14
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15. The MedProgramme: Child Project 2.1
In selected priority coastal areas, the project will implement a blend of national and regional actions aiming to:
Enhance the coastal zone sustainability through the adoption of comprehensive national ICZM strategies, coastal plans and instruments, and improving gender equality.
Increase resilience to climatic variability and change, and enhanced water security of coastal populations through improved sustainability of services provided by coastal aquifers and by groundwater related coastal habitats.
This will be done among other through activities such as :
Preparation, adoption and support to implementation of National ICZM Strategies, coastal plans, marine spatial plans and plans focused on coastal resilience to Climate Variability and Change;
Implementation of the Integrated Management Framework (IMF);
Translation of environmental vulnerabilities (ecosystems, climate, and contamination of freshwater) into Coastal Zone Use-Capability, vulnerability and suitability maps and related guidance;
Use of ICZM tools and instruments;
Capacity building activities for ICZM, MSP and adaptation to climate variability and change;
The further improvement of the inventory and characterization of coastal aquifers
The identification of major submarine groundwater discharge zones (SGD), and assessment of flows and contaminant loads;
The systematic mapping of groundwater vulnerability in the coastal zone, using methods accounting for both vertical and horizontal vulnerability, and defining local land uses and human activities compatible with the various classes of vulnerability;
THE FIRST PREPARATION MEETING OF THIS PROJECT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN THE PRESENCE OF Albania Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. 15
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16. The MedProgramme: Conclusions
The MedProgramme will provide a coordinated set of fully-fledged actions for the protection and sustainable use of a major transboundary waterbody such as the Mediterranean Sea LME.
It introduces a long term impact and innovative factor: it complements its technical assistance interventions with a large investment portfolio to address the needs defined by the updated NAPs,
The MedProgramme is a powerful tool. When its 7 Child Project will be fully operative… 1 2 3
The entire programme will be fully integrated with the activities of the Barcelona Convention, thus constantly assess against the needs of the Contracting parties
We are sure that the MedProgramme will be a catalyzer for a positive chain reaction which will foster the development of a coordinated and long term sustainable initiatives and investments in the Mediterranean Region.
It is a pioneering initiative that could lead the way to the systematic adoption of programmatic approaches in the SAP implementation whenever the consolidation of transboundary cooperation frameworks will allow, and the complexity of the drivers of degradation will require. 16
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