It’s time to act
The Mediterranean Sea is currently facing a critical crisis due to human activities.
Densely populated coastal areas and the tourism industry are depleting essential resources such as water, food, and energy, leading to increased pollution. This is severely affecting coastal and marine ecosystems and causing freshwater scarcity. Climate change is exacerbating these issues, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
To combat these urgent threats, the five-year MedProgramme, a pioneering GEF multi-focal area initiative, is working to address transboundary environmental challenges in coastal regions. Seeking to enhance climate resilience, improve water security, and boost the health and livelihoods of coastal communities, it also promotes gender equality to ensure that both women and men can thrive in harmony with their environment.
Key action areas
The MedProgramme initiative is driven by specific priority themes aimed at safeguarding the Mediterranean region and tackling the triple planetary crisis.
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01
Coastal resilience
Protecting marine and coastal ecosystems and preserving their biodiversity through the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
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02
Chemicals and waste
Reducing pollution from harmful chemicals and waste in Mediterranean hotspots
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03
Climate change
Enhancing climate resilience in coastal zones to mitigate the risk of erosion, flooding, and salinization of river deltas and aquifers
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04
International waters
Supporting the sustainable management of transboundary waters using the "From Source to Sea" approach
The MedProgramme streams from eight Child Projects and was launched in 2020. The GEF's leading agencies are the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), while UNEP's Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) is leading key regional partners. Each project is dedicated to addressing pressing environmental issues in the coastal areas of Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Tunisia, and the Republic of Türkiye.
In the spotlight - PAP/RAC
Established in 1977, PAP/RAC is one of the six Regional Activity Centres (RACs) operating under the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Our primary objective is to support sustainable coastal development and implement the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) → one of the key components of the Barcelona Convention and the first international legally binding instrument on ICZM. Empowering Mediterranean countries to better manage and protect their coastal zones, the Protocol on ICZM serves as a basis to define a long-term vision for future development. It also addresses the impacts of climate change, with coastal adaptation plans as concrete examples of good practice. This expertise is evidenced through successful projects funded by various donors, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Explore our ongoing GEF projects
Setting the stage for the GEF MedProgramme
Our track record with GEF-funded projects demonstrates our long-standing commitment to advancing sustainable coastal development in the Mediterranean.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Mediterranean
The GEF MedProgramme contributes to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by promoting sustainable coastal development and enhancing resilience across various sectors, fostering partnerships to safeguard the region's future.
