Since the adoption of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme of the Mediterranean Sea and Coast (IMAP) in 2016, significant progress has been achieved in its implementation, including the development of national IMAP-based monitoring programmes and the preparation of the 2017 and 2023 Mediterranean Quality Status Reports (MED QSRs).
Building on this experience and the findings of MED QSR 2023, the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, through COP 23 Decision IG.26/3, called for an update of the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) and IMAP. This revision aims to strengthen national monitoring and assessment capacities, improve data quality, enhance assessment reliability, and update the Guidance Factsheets of the IMAP Common Indicators.
As part of this process, SPA/RAC will update the Guidance Factsheets for Ecological Objectives EO1 (Biodiversity) and EO2 (Non-Indigenous Species). The revision will:
- Integrate climate change considerations into the Guidance Factsheets and Good Environmental Status (GES) definitions;
- Take into account the recently developed monitoring and assessment scales, assessment criteria, thresholds and baseline values for IMAP Common Indicators;
- Reflect the latest scientific knowledge and advances in marine biodiversity monitoring and assessment.
In this context, SPA/RAC is seeking a qualified consultant to support the update of the IMAP EO2 Common Indicator 6 Factsheets related to non-indigenous species.
The updated factsheets will contribute to strengthening harmonized monitoring and assessment of non-indigenous species across the Mediterranean region and support Contracting Parties in the implementation of IMAP.