The decision to designate the Mediterranean Sea as an Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides paves the way for the submission of the “Med SOx ECA” joint proposal to the 78th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 78) of the International Maritime Organization.

The potential benefits of the Med SOx ECA are considerable given the depth of the cuts in Sulphur Oxides (SOx) emissions that it would bring about. Emissions from ships contribute to the overall air quality degradation in the Mediterranean region, particularly in coastal zones. According to studies undertaken by UNEP/MAP, the Med SOx ECA would translate into a 78.7 per cent drop in SOx emissions.

In addition to the decision on the designation of the Med SOx ECA, COP 22 adopted:

- the Post-2020 Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Mediterranean Region (Post-2020 SAPBIO) a strategy programme with Mediterranean countries to reverse the loss of biodiversity and put the Mediterranean marine and coastal biodiversity on the path to recovery for the benefit of nature and people by 2030.

The Strategy focuses on narrowing the gap between most and less developed countries, while promoting biodiversity conservation in all environmental and sectoral policies that are relevant for the protection and sustainable use of marine living resources. It furthermore incorporates main emerging issues and challenges related to climate change, as well as key concepts such as the ecosystem approach, ecosystem services, Nature-based Solutions, and the need for ecosystem restoration, regarding not only marine but also coastal habitats, such as estuaries, wetlands and dunes.

-  the Mediterranean Strategy for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships (2022-2031).

-Post-2020 Regional Strategy for marine and coastal protected areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures in the Mediterranean. This includes:

i) By 2030, at least 30 percent of the Mediterranean Sea is protected and conserved through well connected, ecologically representative and effective systems of marine and coastal protected areas and OECMS, ensuring adequate geographical balance, with the focus on areas particularly important for biodiversity.

ii) By 2030, the number and coverage of marine and coastal protected areas with enhanced protection levels is increased, contributing to the recovery of marine ecosystems

• An update of the Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management

• the Ballast Water Management Strategy for the Mediterranean Sea (2022-2027).

• A set of regional plans on urban wastewater treatment and sewage sludge treatment as well as plans to support green and circular businesses

Participation of IUCN-Med

The team of IUCN-Med participated in COP22 with three presentations: the first one on the update of the Mediterranean Red List of Cetaceans, the second one about the challenges and perspectives of blue tourism in the Mediterranean, and a third one on the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium, launched earlier this year.

Photo © UNEP/MAP