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The
Mediterranean Region comprises of the coastal states surrounding
the Mediterranean Sea.
A new threat is now endangering the well-being of the Mediterranean people and
that of future generations, primarily from activities that are causing pollution
to the marine environment, the source of life for both human beings and a large
variety of marine living resources in the region.
Compounding this danger is the fact that apart from the flow of surface water
through the Straight of Gibraltar and the Dardanelles, precipitation and river
run-off, the Mediterranean is an almost enclosed sea, taking over a century to
be fully renewed. 80% of the harm done to the Mediterranean Sea comes from land-based
pollution.
Also the excessive volume of international sea-borne trade that originates
from the Mediterranean, is directed to it or passes through it, poses significant
pressures to the marine environment of the region, such as water borne diseases,
the introduction of opportunistic exotic species, and maritime pollution caused
by the transportation of oil and other hazardous substances.
Finally, another extremely important threat posed to the Mediterranean comes
from the impact of unrestrained development.
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