The Seventeenth Meeting of the Focal Points for Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity (SPA/BD), held in Istanbul from 20 to 22 May 2025, brought together delegates from across the Mediterranean to take stock of ongoing efforts and define priorities for the years ahead.
Over three days of productive discussions, the meeting gathered representatives from 13 Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, alongside key regional and international organizations, including ACCOBAMS, IUCN, MedPAN and WWF.
Together, participants reviewed progress achieved since the previous meeting in April 2023, on the activities carried out by SPA/RAC under the UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy and in relation to the implementation of the SPA/BD Protocol.
They also examined several strategic documents and frameworks to guide future action, including:
- The updated draft strategy and action plans for the conservation of threatened marine species and habitats - Mediterranean monk seal, marine turtles, cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyans), coralligenous habitats -, along with recommendations for the future regarding the approach to regional action plans;
- the proposed programme of work for SPA/RAC for the 2026-2027 biennium;
- and a new monitoring framework to support the implementation of the Post-2020 SAPBIO.
The meeting also served as a platform to advance regional dialogue on pressing conservation topics, such as the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach, ongoing monitoring and reporting processes, and a draft guidance document on Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to reach the global 30 by 30 target.
A significant milestone was reached with the adoption of the first official list of Partners of the Regional Action Plans, following the endorsement by COP 23 of the criteria and conditions for granting this title under the Barcelona Convention.
The seven organizations officially recognised as Partners are:
- Association Notre Grand Bleu (NGB)
- Environment & Resources Authority (ERA), Malta
- Fundación Oceana - Oceana in Europe
- Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA)
- The Mediterranean Network of Marine Protected Areas Managers (MedPAN)
- Worldwide Fund for Nature - Mediterranean (WWF Mediterranean)
- Worldwide Fund for Nature - North Africa (WWF NA).
This achievement marks a new chapter in promoting stronger, more structured collaboration to implement the Action Plans across the Mediterranean region.
Two side events enriched the agenda, highlighting nature conservation experiences from Türkiye and Libya. These sessions offered valuable insights into national initiatives and the deep links between natural and cultural heritage in the region.
The meeting concluded with heartfelt acknowledgements to all those who contributed to its success:
- Mr. Bayram Öztürk (Türkiye), Chairperson of the meeting, for his moderation and the generous hospitality extended through the TUDAV Foundation, including a visit to the Istanbul Aquarium;
- Mr. Leonardo Tunesi (Italy) and Ms. Lara Samaha (Lebanon), Vice-Chairs;
- Ms. Silvia García Higuera (Spain), Rapporteur;
- the Coordinating Unit of UNEP/MAP - Barcelona Convention, SPA/RAC team and regional consultants;
- and the Government of Türkiye, interpreters and logistics team.
This meeting held special significance, as it coincided with the 40th anniversary of SPA/RAC, celebrated on 22 May, the International Day for Biological Diversity.
As Susan Gardner, Director of UNEP's Ecosystems Division, stated in a recorded message projected during the ceremony for the anniversary: "SPA/RAC has been a pillar of the Barcelona Convention - an anchor point in the global movement to protect biodiversity in the Mediterranean. From marine protected areas to biodiversity action plans, SPA/RAC is setting the bar for what effective, coordinated conservation looks like."
As the SPA/RAC Director noted, the anniversary also served as a moment of gratitude to all those who have contributed to the Centre's journey: dedicated staff members, national focal points, partner organisations, and committed experts. "Without you, this Centre would not be what it is today", he said.
The ceremony was marked by moving and meaningful exchanges that reminded us of the power of lasting relationships. When coupled with renewed commitment, they are what enable our region to move forward - together - towards a healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable Mediterranean.
SPA/RAC extends its special thanks to Ms. Tatjana Hema, Coordinator of the Mediterranean Action Plan, for opening the ceremony, and to Ms. Maylis Salivas, Executive Secretary of ACCOBAMS; Professor Mostafa Fouda and Professor Bayram Öztürk, two long-standing collaborators of SPA/RAC; Mr. Chedly Rais, former Scientific Director of the Centre; and Dr. Leonardo Tunesi, SPA/BD Focal Point for Italy - all of whom delivered heartfelt and inspiring testimonies.