Progress report for
Towards an ecologically representative and efficiently managed network of Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas
Achievement at a glance
(i) The 2016 Forum on MPAs in the Mediterranean was co-organized by the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC of UNEP/MAP: the Mediterranean Action Plan) and the network of MPA managers in the Mediterranean (MedPAN), with the support of the Moroccan High Commission for Water and Forests and the Fight against Desertification (HCEFLCD) (Tangiers, Morocco, 28 November - 1 December 2016). (ii) Data on Mediterranean MPA coverage and management aspects was collected and analyzed. The dataset is available from SPA/RAC and MedPAN, upon request, until the development of an updated version of the SPA/RAC-MedPAN database of MPAs in the Mediterranean (MAPAMED). Based on this data, an assessment of the Mediterranean MPA network status was undertaken and a leaflet summarizing its main findings elaborated and disseminated during the 2016 MPA Forum. (iii) An Ad hoc group of experts for MPAs in the Mediterranean (AGEM) was set up on an experimental basis in the framework of the project. The AGEM First Meeting was held in Tunis (Tunisia) on 22-23 February 2018. The AGEM is providing scientific and technical advice to SPA/RAC. The Second Meeting of the AGEM is planned in Tunis on 21 February 2019. At mid-2019, an evaluation of the AGEM functioning, deliverables will be undertaken. (iv) An ecological characterization of the Sallum MPA (Egypt) was completed by a team of national experts and the related report was elaborated. (v) The ecological characterization of three marine sites suitable to be declared as MPAs in Lebanon was completed. The results of this ecological survey were presented during a national workshop held in Beirut on 16 January 2018. (vi) A socio-economic/stakeholders assessment of the marine part of the Jbel Moussa future MPA (Morocco) was completed and the process for the elaboration of the area management plan is underway. (vii) The process for the elaboration of a management plan for the North-Eastern part of Kerkennah Islands future MPA (Tunisia) is underway.Challenges faced in implementation
(i) Challenges and delays related to the project finance and administrative management between UNEP and the donor (EU). (ii) Lengthy autorisation procedures for undertaking marine field surveys in some countries/areas.Beneficiaries
MPA planning and management authorities in Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia.