The 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP24), which also marks the Convention’s 50th anniversary— takes place from 2 to 5 December 2025 in Cairo, bringing together Mediterranean countries, the European Union, regional organisations, MAP Partners and experts to strengthen collective action for the protection of the marine and coastal environment.
This COP marks, each two years, an important step for Mediterranean biodiversity, ecosystem restoration and environmental governance. Several strategic decisions are expected to shape regional action over the coming decade, in line with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC) is actively contributing to the technical discussions, supporting the development and implementation of decisions related to species, habitats, specially marine and coastal protected areas, regional strategies and monitoring.
Strengthening species conservation: updates to Annexes II & III
COP24 examines a major update of Annexes II and III of the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity (SPA/BD Protocol). The proposed amendments include:
- The addition to Annex II of three threatened species of cartilaginous fishes (Echinorhinus brucus, Centrophorus uyato, Dalatias licha) and six sponge species (Neophrissospongia spp., Foraminospongia balearica, Haliclona poecillastroides, Leiodermatium spp., Pheronema carpenteri, Poecillastra compressa)
- The transfer of four species from Annex III (regulated exploitation) to Annex II (strict protection): Alopias vulpinus; Carcharhinus plumbeus; Centrophorus spp.; Prionace glauca
- An essential update of species nomenclature to ensure coherence with up to date taxonomy.
These revisions aim to maintain scientific accuracy, legal clarity and effective conservation measures across the Mediterranean region.
Mid-term assessment of the Post-2020 SAPBIO
SPA/RAC has conducted the first mid-term assessment of the collective implementation of the Post-2020 Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Mediterranean (Post-2020 SAPBIO).
The assessment reviews progress on national and regional “start-up actions”, evaluates early achievements, and identifies adjustments needed to stay on track for the 2030 targets. COP24 will also consider:
- the Monitoring Framework for SAPBIO (2027 & 2030),
- alignment with the monitoring framework of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,
- and recommendations to strengthen regional coherence and effectiveness.
Updated Regional Action Plans and Strategies
COP24 reviews updated versions of four major regional instruments coordinated by SPA/RAC:
- Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Turtles,
- Action Plan for the Conservation of Cartilaginous Fishes,
- Regional Strategy for the Conservation of Monk Seals,
- Action Plan for the Conservation of the Coralligenous and Other Calcareous Bio-concretions.
The updates integrate new scientific knowledge, the adaptation to climate impacts, governance considerations, and revised implementation timetables up to 2030.
SPAMI ordinary and extraordinary reviews
SPA/RAC has coordinated all ordinary and extraordinary reviews of Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMIs) for 2024–2025, as mandated.
The results submitted to COP24 include the recommendation for five SPAMIs under extraordinary review to return to the regular review cycle.
These processes strengthen transparency, effectiveness and long-term management of the Mediterranean SPAMI network.
EcAp / IMAP Roadmap 2026–2035
A major outcome expected from COP24 is the adoption of the updated Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) Policy and Roadmap 2026–2035, including:
- Cap Vision for achieving GES by 2035 (achievements, persistent and emerging challenges, risks, opportunities)
- Updated Step-Approach (6 steps)
- Governance Mechanism to support EcAp implementation in the Mediterranean
- 11 Ecological Objectives
- 38 Common Indicators (CIs) with 11 new, including climate change
- Indicator Definition, GES Definitions and Targets for the majority of CIs
- Establishment of assessment criteria to support GES assessment.
This framework will guide monitoring and assessment of the state of the sea and coast over the next decade.
Programme of Work and Budget 2026–2027
The COP reviews and adopts the Programme of Work and Budget for 2026–2027, as last biennium of the UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) for 2022-2027, which sets the priorities for regional action on biodiversity, pollution reduction, climate resilience, sustainable coastal management and environmental governance.
It includes 27 expected outcomes and 106 activities, reinforcing integration and collaboration across MAP Components and alignment with global processes.
SPA/RAC participation in COP24 side events
Throughout COP24, SPA/RAC contributes to several side events highlighting regional progress, tools and partnerships for conservation, focusing in particular on:
3 December
- 12:30 - Astor Plenary Hall Floor 1 : Shark and ray conservation – “Turning the Tide: Halting Shark and Ray Extinction – Science, Socio-Economics, and Policy”
- 12:30 - BeryI I+II Floor 1 : Climate change adaptation – “100MPA MedAlliance: Building resilient MPAs to face the climate emergency by 2030”
- 13:30 - BeryI I+II Floor 1 : Integrated coastal and marine management – “Blue Future: Inclusive Pathways towards a Regional Vision for Integrated Coastal and Marine Management”
- 17:45 - BeryI I+II Floor 1 : Cooperation and sustainable development – “PAMEx – a successful cooperation platform to engage the Mediterranean Sea into the green transition” (see the Agenda)
4 December
- 13:00 - Astor Plenary Hall Floor 1 and online: Management effectiveness of MCPAs and OECMs – “Management Effectiveness: MCPAs and OECMs” (Registration - Online access)
For more information on COP24 of the Barcelona Convention, including side events, see this link.