The Ad hoc Group of Experts for Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean (AGEM) met twice in recent weeks, in line with its mandate under the Barcelona Convention system.
The meeting held on 21 March 2025, via videoconference, enabled the group to validate its 2025 work programme and to identify strategic priorities for 2026–2027. It was also marked by the election of Mr. Robert TURK as Chair and Ms. Souha EL ASMI as Vice-Chair of the AGEM.
Current composition of AGEM
The group is currently composed of 24 members, including 16 experts nominated by the SPA/BD Focal Points:
- MPA Management: Mr Robert TURK (Chair) and Ms Sue WELLS
- MPA Planning: Mr Chedly RAÏS and Ms Souha EL ASMI (Vice‑Chair)
- Marine Biology/Ecology: Mr Leonardo TUNESI and Mr Abdulmaula HAMZA
- Law and Regulation: Ms Saba GUELLOUZ and Ms Ana STRBENAC
- Socio‑economics: Mr Paolo GUIDETTI and Mr Almokhtar SAID
- Fisheries: Ms Leila BASTI and Mr Marios PAPAGEORGIOU
- Nature Tourism: Ms Martina HERVAT and Ms Milena TEMPSTA
- MPA Financing: Mr Giuseppe DI CARLO and Ms Marie ROMANI
In addition, representatives from five partner organizations contribute to the group:
- GFCM Scientific Advisory Committee: Mohammed Malouli IDRISSI
- ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee: Léa DAVID
- IUCN/WCPA Marine: Carla DANULETTI and Yaprak ARDA
- MedPAN Scientific Committee: Joaquim CLAUDET and Susan GALLON
- WWF: Mauro RANDONE and Saba BASKIR
The AGEM reconvened online on 15 April 2025 to discuss a guidance document on Other Effective area‑based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in the Mediterranean, prepared by consultant Sue Wells for SPA/RAC.
The result of collaborative work and contributions from AGEM members, this document marks a step forward in better recognizing spatial conservation efforts beyond Marine and Coastal Protected Areas (MCPAs), and represents a meaningful contribution toward achieving the global goal of protecting 30 % of the ocean by 2030.
About AGEM
AGEM (Ad hoc Group of Experts for MPAs in the Mediterranean) is a multidisciplinary think tank established in 2018 by the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention. Coordinated by SPA/RAC, its mission is to provide scientific and technical advice to improve the Mediterranean network of MCPAs and OECMs in terms of coverage, representativity, connectivity, and management effectiveness. The Post‑2020 Regional Strategy for MCPAs and OECMs, adopted by COP 22 of the Barcelona Convention, serves as AGEM’s main strategic reference framework.