The 17th SPA/BD Focal Points Meeting concludes with renewed momentum for Mediterranean biodiversity
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 […]
Seventeenth SPA/BD Focal Points meeting: advancing marine biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean
The Seventeenth Meeting of the SPA/BD Focal Points is taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 20 to 22 May 2025. Representatives from Mediterranean countries and relevant regional partners have gathered to review progress and discuss key directions for future biodiversity conservation efforts. Hosted by the Turkish Government, this three-day meeting brings together the majority of […]
SPA/RAC co-organised the 2nd Mediterranean Posidonia Network Seminar
As member of the Mediterranean Posidonia Network (MPN) task force, SPA/RAC co-organised the 2nd MPN Seminar, held from 5 to 9 May 2025 in Hammamet, Tunisia. The event gathered 92 experts from 16 countries, with the joint aim of restoring 100% of threatened Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Mediterranean by 2030. This edition marked a key milestone with […]
New Reports Released on the Management of Blue Crabs in the Mediterranean
The rapid spread of Callinectes sapidus and Portunus segnis poses an increasing threat to biodiversity and fisheries in the Mediterranean. To support efforts in understanding and managing these invasions, SPA/RAC is publishing two new reference documents. 1. Status of the Blue Crabs in the Mediterranean This document provides a comprehensive scientific synthesis on the biology, […]
New document: integrated analysis of IMAP indicator interlinkages and the role of commercial fisheries in achieving good environmental status in the Mediterranean
The document on the integrated analysis of IMAP indicator interlinkages and the role of commercial fisheries in achieving good environmental status in the Mediterranean is now available. This study aims to identify and analyse relationships among key indicators under the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP), notably those related to pollution, eutrophication, marine litter, biodiversity, […]
AGEM: New Membership and a Guidance Document on OECMs in the Mediterranean Under Preparation
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 […]
SPAMI DAY 2025
SPAMI Day, a regional celebration of marine conservation and protected areas in the Mediterranean, was set up by the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention at their COP 22 (Antalya, Türkiye, 7-10 December 2021). SPAMI Day is an event for every person and organization that has at heart the protection of marine life in […]
New Document: Measures for Reducing New Introductions and Eradication/Control of Non-Indigenous Species in the Mediterranean
The “Guidelines Document on the Identification and Introduction of Appropriate Measures for the Reduction of New Introductions and for Eradication/Control of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) in Priority Sites in Line with Post 2020 SAPBIO” is now available. This document outlines nine key measures for effective NIS management, including comprehensive biosecurity and early detection, standardized monitoring at […]
Workshops on Blue Crab Management and Measures for the Reduction of New Introductions, Eradication, and Control of NIS in the Mediterranean
On January 23–24, 2025, SPA/RAC organised two back-to-back workshops on Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) in Rome, Italy, with the support of the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests (MASAF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The first workshop focused on managing the spread of NIS […]
Sub-regional training on monitoring, identification and advanced research methodologies of the Cartilaginous Fishes (chondrichthyans) in the Adriatic Sea
The Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC) organized a sub regional training on monitoring, identification, and advanced research methodologies of chondrichthyans in the Adriatic Sea from 21st to 23rd January 2025. The training, led by internationally awarded scientist Andrej A. Gajić, took place at the Sharklab ADRIA Research Centre in Vlorë, Albania. This training […]
Training and Awareness Workshop at the INRH Tangier Regional Center for the Setting up of the First Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in M’diq
As part of the implementation of the Action Plan for the conservation of marine turtles in the Mediterranean, the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (UNEP-PAM-SPA/RAC) organized in close collaboration with the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INRH) in Tangier, Morocco, from November 21 to 23, 2024, a training and awareness-raising workshop on the role […]
Supporting the return of the Monk Seal in the southern Mediterranean
Thanks to the Med Monk Seal project and the support of the Monk Seal Alliance, field initiatives led by SPA/RAC and national partners are helping to better understand and protect the monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the Mediterranean. Combining monitoring, habitat mapping, and community outreach, these efforts are fostering the return of this rare species. The MSA funded […]
Sea Week 2024: A Collaborative Effort to Protect Our Seas
The second edition of Sea Week 2024, dedicated to Libya, was held from 3 to 9 September 2024 in Djerba, Tunisia. Organized by the Libyan Ministry of Environment, WWF North Africa (WWF-NA), in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC) in the framework […]
Call for consultancy for the development of a Ballast Water Monitoring Program and Early Warning System for Ports
Proposals must be submitted electronically by June 28, 2024. In the context of the Iliad project, funded by the European Union, SPA/RAC and the ValenciaPort Foundation are currently seeking consultancy services through a two-phase call. The first phase focuses on delivering technical and scientific expertise to create a Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) and ballast water monitoring […]
Med Monk seal Project: Enhancing knowledge and awareness on monk seal in the Mediterranean
Mediterranean monk seals are primarily found in the eastern Mediterranean and the northeast Atlantic region off northwest Africa. Over the past two decades, sightings of the species have increased in areas far from the eastern population, such as the Adriatic Sea (Albania, Croatia, and Italy), and in southeastern part of the basin (Israel, Lebanon, Syria, […]
Bringing the Mediterranean monk seal back home
Introduced by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the event, organized by the Monk Seal Alliance (MSA) and the Greek Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A.), aimed to explore holistic actions for the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal. As a key panelist, SPA/RAC seized this opportunity to share insights gained from the MSA-funded […]
Call for consultancy to evaluate and update the Coralligenous Action Plan
SPA/RAC is issuing a call for consultancy to evaluate and update the Action Plan for the conservation of Coralligenous and Other Calcareous Bio-concretions in the Mediterranean Sea. The objectives of the consultancy are to: For more information, please refer to the Terms of Reference.
Third Mediterranean Symposium on Ecology and Conservation of Marine and Coastal Bird Species
Supported by the French Voluntary Contribution, this third edition will be organized by SPA/RAC in partnership with AAO/BirdLife in Tunisia, and other regional partners, including Tour du Valat, ISPRA, IUCN-Med, BirdLife International, from 13 to 15 February 2024 in Djerba, Tunisia. Objectives of the 3rd Edition: Themes covered by the symposium: The 3rd edition of the bird […]