The adaptation of a Sub regional Contingency Plan (SCP) for preparedness and response to major marine pollution incidents in the Mediterranean, in the context of the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Med
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Description
Hydrocarbon pollution is probably one of the most serious threats to the marine environment. Serious incidents are extremely difficult to deal with using the resources of any single country, while the consequences can be devastating for whole regions.
The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention) and its related 1976 Protocol concerning Co-operation in Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Oil and other Harmful Substances in Cases of Emergency (1976 Emergency Protocol), which was replaced by the 2002 Protocol concerning Co-operation in Preventing Pollution from Ships and, in Cases of Emergency, Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea (2002 Prevention and Emergency Protocol) provide the legal framework for actions concerning regional co-operation in the field of preparedness for and response to accidental marine pollution. In addition, the Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution Resulting from Exploration and Exploitation of the Continental Shelf and the Seabed and its Subsoil includes several provisions reflecting those in the Emergency Protocol, particularly safety measures, contingency planning, notification and mutual assistance in case of emergency.
Considering the disastrous consequences of a hydrocarbon marine pollution incident, regional cooperation based on solid and well defined procedures is absolutely essential for effectively combating such occurrences.
Based on this necessity and the increase of hydrocarbon exploration activities in Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus, Greece and Israel, through a trilateral agreement decided to formulate a Sub regional Contingency Plan for preparedness and response to major hydrocarbon marine pollution incidents covering the areas of responsibility. The preparation of the Sub-regional Contingency Plan (SCP) is funded by the UN Environment /Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) system with the technical support of REMPEC and is expected to be completed by October 2017.
The Sub-regional Contingency Plan provides for periodical joint training and/or joint exercises so as to, amongst others, improve the level of cooperation and coordination among operational personnel, test the command structure of the Plan and achieve an effective level of communication among personnel responsible for managing the response process.
Ministry of Environment - Government - Israel
Ministry of Environment - Government - Greece
UN Environment/Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) and its Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC)
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.1 | By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution |
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Contact Information
Charalambos Hajipakkos, Senior Environment Officer