About SPA / RAC

The marine biodiversity centre at the service of the Mediterranean countries

The Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC) is an environmental organization established in Tunis in 1985 following a decision by the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention).

SPA/RAC is one of the eight Components of the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) - Barcelona Convention system. Its mission consists in supporting the Contracting Parties in implementing the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (SPA/BD Protocol).

The Centre works closely with governmental and non-governmental organizations to conserve and sustainable manage threatened species, ecosystems and areas of particular natural and cultural value in the Mediterranean Sea.

SPA/RAC main activities

• supporting Mediterranean countries in the creation and effective management of marine protected areas and Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance in the Mediterranean (SPAMIs);
• developing and implementing strategies and action plans for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources;
• inventorying, mapping and monitoring marine and coastal species and habitats to complete the knowledge base on biodiversity;
• creating and updating databases of specially protected areas and biodiversity ;
• elaborating guidelines and other technical tools on the conservation and management of species, habitats and areas;
• facilitating and encouraging the exchange of scientific and technical information through symposia, conferences, forums, and workshops;
• organising capacity-building and raising awareness activities.

Funding

The principal source of recurrent funding of SPA/RAC activities and staffing is the Mediterranean Trust Fund (MTF). The Tunisian government provides support by hosting the Centre and assuming responsibility for part of the staff.

Additional funding is sought for actions that are clearly defined in space and time, either in response to international calls for proposals or through spontaneous proposals from sponsors, including voluntary contributions from countries, international institutions, donor agencies and the private sector.

Key moments in the SPA/RAC history: a timeline

Media