Excellencies, Parties to the Barcelona Convention, colleagues.
As the world fights back against the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss and pollution and waste, the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) and the Barcelona Convention are more important than ever.
MAP has, of course, been crucial to the protection of the Mediterranean for many years. In fact, the forthcoming biennium will see the celebration of MAP@50, marking half a century of environmental multilateralism and regional solidarity.
UNEP applauds what the Parties have achieved. In particular, the adoption of the Mediterranean Sea as an “Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter” by the International Maritime Organization was a bold step towards a sustainable blue economy.
Now, you, the Parties to the Barcelona Convention are looking to push forward in support of sustainable development, as the theme of this ministerial session – Green Transition in the Mediterranean – shows.
We know, the green transition can harness rapid progress in science and technology, improvements in governance frameworks and growing public awareness.
At the same time, nature-based solutions must be put front and centre. And, as not every Mediterranean country has the same financial or technological resources, regional cooperation will be essential.
Through a green transition, Parties can help to meet the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. For example, through the implementation of the “Strategic Action Programme for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management of natural resources in the Mediterranean”. This will help reach the target that by 2030, at least 30 percent of coastal and marine areas are effectively conserved and managed.
Parties can help to meet climate targets under Paris Agreement by taking bold steps on decarbonization and adaptation – the need for which was highlighted after the tragedy that befell the Libyan coastal city of Derna.
They can pursue a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste – and in so doing back the recently adopted Global Framework on Chemicals and the upcoming legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
In the months and years to come, there are many opportunities for increased collective action. The Mediterranean region can make its presence felt at the sixth UN Environment Assembly, in Nairobi at the end of February. Play a prominent role in what should be the decisive round of negotiations on the plastics instrument, which will take place in Ottawa in April 2024. And put forward its perspective and solutions at the UN Ocean Conference, to take place in the Mediterranean city of Nice in June 2025.
In this meeting, I am looking forward to hearing ideas, actions, and solutions for a healthy Mediterranean Sea, and sustainable development for everyone across the region.
Thank you.
