50 Years on, 21 countries, EU unite to protect Mediterranean

17 / 08 / 2026

By Marwa Nassar - -

The Mediterranean is marking 50 years of regional environmental cooperation, with 21 countries and the European Union now working together through the United Nations Environment Program’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) to protect the sea and its coastal ecosystems.

50-Year regional effort:

Launched in 1975 as the first regional seas program of its kind, UNEP/MAP supports marine protected areas, action plans for threatened species and habitats, and the restoration of damaged ecosystems.

The initiative has also helped establish special protected areas covering more than 8% of the Mediterranean, alongside species-specific protection plans.

Protecting nature, coastal economies:

UNEP/MAP helps countries control invasive species and strengthen natural coastal defenses, including dunes and wetlands. It also promotes smarter coastal planning that supports economic activity while protecting the ecosystems on which Mediterranean communities have depended for centuries.

Turning commitments into action:

The effort is backed by the Barcelona Convention, adopted in 1976 as the region’s main legally binding framework for protecting its marine and coastal environment. Its seven protocols address pollution, hazardous waste, biodiversity, offshore activities and coastal development.

Through UNEP/MAP and the convention, the 21 Mediterranean countries and the EU are developing common rules, monitoring the sea’s health and translating regional commitments into national action.

Tackling marine litter:

A key milestone is the legally binding Regional Plan on Marine Litter, adopted in 2013 and updated in 2021. The first agreement of its kind, it commits participating countries to reduce and remove marine litter while integrating circular economy approaches.

The partnership also supports efforts to reduce plastic and chemical pollution, improve wastewater management and prepare for environmental risks such as oil spills.