Protected Areas in the Mediterranean

Many countries are aligning with the 30x30 goal globally. However, rather than being left behind, the Mediterranean region should be at the forefront as a world reference for 30x30 action. Protecting 30% of the Mediterranean Sea with 10% highly protected status will help the Mediterranean become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, contribute to the recovery of overexploited fish stocks, and play a significant role in the economic recovery of the region by supporting more sustainable tourism models.

Unfortunately, progress to date is sparse and uneven across countries. While some are taking clear steps towards the 30x30 goal, there is a risk that the 30x30 objective is being watered down and does not have the potential and impact it should have to restore the marine ecosystems of one of the most biodiversity-rich regions in the world. There is a need for coordinated policy action and strategic campaigning targeted at the national and regional levels to accelerate political action. The Med Sea Alliance (MSA) is uniquely positioned to deliver on this. MSA’s growing partnership of 15 members brings together the right mix of skills and experience to mobilize and organize the Mediterranean community to generate the critical levels of external pressure needed to deliver policy results. This role complements the work of other alliances, such as Together for the Med, better placed to drive change from the inside. This project proposal lays the foundations for a long- term solid collaboration between MSA and Together for the Med to maximize impact towards delivering 30x30 in the Med.