Background
In 1995, the Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention adopted a new protocol concerning the Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (SPA/BD Protocol). The second Annex of this protocol lists the endangered or threatened species found in the Mediterranean, including marine and coastal bird species.
An “Action Plan for the conservation of bird species listed in Annex II of the Protocol on Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity” was elaborated for these pelagic and coastal bird species and published in 2003. Its elaboration follows various initiatives taken by other organizations, such as BirdLife, International partners in Mediterranean countries, WWF, IUCN, MEDMARAVIS, Tour du Valat, on the conservation of biological diversity, particularly with respect to birds, and their habitats.
Objectives
The main purpose of the Action Plan is to maintain and/or restore the population levels of bird species listed in the SPA Protocol's Annex II to a favorable conservation status and to ensure their long-term conservation. The Action Plan aims also to contribute to the sharing of knowledge and expertise between the Mediterranean countries and coordinate efforts among the countries and other relevant initiatives and agreements. It also encourages a synergic approach among the Mediterranean countries in the protection of bird species and their habitats and research to fill knowledge gaps.
Recommendations
The Action Plan proposes practical conservation measures in the field but also administrative, legislative and scientific measures. The action plan proposes many actions under the topics:
- Protected areas
- Legislation
- Research
- Monitoring activities
- Advocacy, awareness raising, education and training
- National Action Plans
Updates
The latest updates of the Action Plan for the conservation of bird species listed in Annex II of the SPA/BD Protocol were adopted by COP 23 of the Barcelona Convention in 2023. To find out more, consult Decision IG26/5.
To consult the list of bird species included in Annex II of the SPA/BD Protocol, please refer to Decision IG26/4.
