Advancing Ecosystem-Approach Monitoring for Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Integrity Workshop

Background and Rationale

The Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) for the Mediterranean Sea and Coast was adopted at COP 19 (2016, Decision IG.22/7). Since then, significant progress has been achieved, including the development of national monitoring programmes for all common indicators, methodological guidance sheets, the IMAP InfoSystem, and two regional assessments (MED QSR 2017 and 2023).

At COP 23 (2023), the Contracting Parties requested the Secretariat, under the leadership of the Ecosystem Approach Coordination Group (EcAp CG), to prepare a revision of the EcAp Roadmap and IMAP for 2024–2025, taking into account the MED QSR 2023, independent evaluations, and recent regional and global developments, for consideration at COP 24.

As part of the ongoing IMAP revision, Ecological Objective 6 (EO6: Sea-floor Integrity) has been fully integrated with two common indicators. EO6, aiming to “maintain sea-floor integrity, particularly in priority benthic habitats,” was approved at the Biodiversity and Fisheries CORMON meeting in June 2024. It defines Good Environmental Status (GES), associated targets, pressures to consider, and linkages with other EOs.

EO6 is aligned with Descriptor 6 of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the work of the European Technical Group on Seabed Habitats (TG Seabed), while remaining relevant to Mediterranean, European, and global environmental protection and climate policies.

Closely related to EO6 is the EO7 hydrographic alterations and its CI 15 Location and extent of the habitats potentially impacted by hydrographic alterations. This CI considers marine habitats which may be affected or disturbed by changes in hydrographic conditions (currents, waves, suspended sediment loads). There is a clear link between EO7 and other ecological objectives, especially EO1 (Biodiversity) and EO6 (Sea-floor integrity). Such links need to be determined on a case-by-case basis and their cumulative impact considered.

The CI15 has also been adopted by the Decision IG.22/7 however, countries had difficulties with its implementation. For the latest Quality Status Report no national data have been provided because of its complexity.

To this end, a revised and simplified methodology has been adopted at the MAP Focal Points meting (16-19 September 2025, Athens). Linked with EO6 and EO7 are also CIs from the EO8 Coastal ecosystems and landscapes. CI16 monitors the status, i.e. artificial or natural, of the coastline that is subject to physical disturbance due to the influence of human-made structures and therefore can have negative impacts to marine habitats. Similarly, the CI 25 Land cover change that reports on changes between the major land cover classes and in particular on the built-up/land take due to urbanization. These linkages are important for the connectivity and land sea interactions.

The integration of these EOs and common indicators into national IMAPs is progressing but requires: Strengthened technical capacities, methodological harmonization, and increased national ownership.

This is the framework in which the EcAp MED Plus project – “Supporting the Southern Mediterranean Contracting Parties in implementing the Ecosystem Approach to achieve GES” is implemented. Building on EcAp MED III, the project supports Southern Mediterranean countries in implementing IMAP, providing quality-assured data to the IMAP InfoSystem and the MED QSR 2023.

Within the EcAp MED Plus project, information and awareness-raising workshops are planned to strengthen participation, ownership, and contribution to the IMAP process and broaden engagement of institutions, scientists, NGOs, and socio-economic stakeholders.

Workshop Objectives

• Raise awareness about the importance of sea-floor integrity (EO6), hydrographic alterations (EO7), and coastal integrity (EO8) for the health of marine habitats and ecosystems, as well as the current pressures affecting these marine and coastal compartments in the Mediterranean.
• Engage a broader range of national and regional stakeholders in the IMAP process and strengthen their understanding, participation, and ownership, particularly for monitoring and assessing EO6, EO7, and EO8.
• Strengthen national capacities for IMAP implementation and monitoring, with a focus on data collection, indicator assessment, and regional coordination for EO6, EO7, and EO8.

Methodology

The workshop will provide an overview of the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp), IMAP, and key findings from MED QSR 2023, highlighting marine habitats, pressures, conservation status, and how scientific data supports policy and decision-making. Participants will then focus on the implementation and monitoring of EO6 (sea-floor integrity), EO7 (hydrography), and EO8 (coastal integrity) through presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions to share experiences, best practices, and opportunities for regional collaboration.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp), IMAP, and the latest findings from MED QSR 2023 among national and regional stakeholders.
• Increased knowledge of EO6 (sea-floor integrity), EO7 (hydrography), and EO8 (coastal integrity), including their monitoring methodologies, pressures, and links to ecosystem-based management.
• Sharing of experiences and best practices through case studies, promoting peer-to-peer learning and lessons learned across Mediterranean countries.
• Strengthened capacity and ownership of national authorities and stakeholders in implementing and reporting on IMAP ecological objectives.
• Identification of opportunities for regional collaboration, harmonized monitoring approaches, and improved integration of science into policy and decision-making.

Workshop Organisers

• The Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC)
• The Priority Actions Programme Regional Activity Centre (PAP/RAC)

Workshop Details

• Date: 19 November 2025
• Duration: 180 min (9:00 to 12:00 Tunis Time UTC +1)
• Languages: French and English (simultaneous translation available)

Registration and Participation

• Participation is open to all persons interested in or involved in the IMAP process. We particularly encourage the participation of women, young professionals, and representatives of local organizations to ensure diverse and inclusive perspectives.
• Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance to secure their place: Registration link
• To connect to the meeting: Zoom link 

Programme

Workshop Program (9:00 – 12:00 Tunis Time UTC +1)