As part of the SEMPA project, funded by the European Union, SPA/RAC is organizing a series of capacity-building training sessions in Libya, focusing on strengthening the implementation of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) of the Barcelona Convention.
The event is taking place in the Farwa Lagoon Marine Protected Area, from 7 to 11 October 2025, bringing together 40 participants from Libyan institutions and civil society, including representatives of the Ministry of Environment, NGOs, municipalities, academia, and other local stakeholders.
The training is organized in close partnership with the Ministry of Environment in Libya, and the NGO Beseda, which plays a key role in facilitating logistics on site thanks to its long-standing involvement in the Farwa Lagoon MPA, and with the support of WWF North Africa through the GEF CP 3.1 and Blue South Med projects.
Addressing knowledge gaps through capacity building
The objective of the training is to address existing knowledge gaps and provide technical skills to ensure Libya has the necessary tools to implement integrated biodiversity monitoring. Strengthening national capacities in line with IMAP is essential to enable countries to undertake effective monitoring and contribute to the regional assessment of the Mediterranean.
A five-day programme combining theory and practice
Over the course of five days, the training is structured around thematic sessions, each dedicated to one group of species or habitats, with both theoretical lessons and practical field activities:
- Day 1: Marine turtles
- Day 2: Marine habitats, with a focus on Posidonia seagrass meadows
- Day 3: Marine mammals
- Day 4: Marine birds
- Day 5: Marine Protected Areas and conservation measures
Through this integrated approach, participants are gaining hands-on experience and reinforcing their knowledge of monitoring protocols, ensuring that Libya is better equipped to advance biodiversity conservation and marine resource management.
