The Third Biennial Conference on Cetacean Conservation in South Mediterranean Countries took place in Jounieh (Lebanon) from 21 to 23 October 2014, and gathered about 50 participants from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria as well as international and regional organizations. The event was organized with the support and collaboration of the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA, MAP-UNEP), the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, and the Lebanese National Centre for Marine Sciences (CNRS).

The aim of the Conference was to assess current knowledge on cetaceans in the southern Mediterranean, identify potential gaps, and stimulate the development of conservation actions in order to promote the implementation of the ACCOBAMS Agreement. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including interactions between cetaceans and human activities, monitoring of populations and strandings, critical habitats for cetaceans, conservation plans for cetacean species, information sharing and photo-identification of species.

The exchange of experiences and data revealed the extent of research activities in the region in recent years. Specific recommendations for the region were prepared and will be followed up by the ACCOBAMS Secretariat and Scientific Committee.

The IUCN Mediterranean Marine Programme played an active role in several round tables and presented the activities being developed by IUCN-Med.

For further information please contact  Alain Jeudy

Photo: Risso's dolphin. © Ana Cañadas (Alnilam)