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 13 Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, alongside key regional and international organizations, including ACCOBAMS, IUCN, MedPAN and WWF.
Together, participants reviewed progress achieved since the previous meeting in April 2023, on the activities carried out by SPA/RAC under the UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy and in relation to the implementation of the SPA/BD Protocol.
They also examined several strategic documents and frameworks to guide future action, including:
- The updated draft strategy and action plans for the conservation of threatened marine species and habitats – Mediterranean monk seal, marine turtles, cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyans), coralligenous habitats -, along with recommendations for the future regarding the approach to regional action plans;
- the proposed programme of work for SPA/RAC for the 2026-2027 biennium;
- and a new monitoring framework to support the implementation of the Post-2020 SAPBIO.
The meeting also served as a platform to advance regional dialogue on pressing conservation topics, such as the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach, ongoing monitoring and reporting processes, and a draft guidance document on Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to reach the global 30 by 30 target.
A significant milestone was reached with the adoption of the first official list of Partners of the Regional Action Plans, following the endorsement by COP 23 of the criteria and conditions for granting this title under the Barcelona Convention.
The seven organizations officially recognised as Partners are:
- Association Notre Grand Bleu (NGB)
- Environment & Resources Authority (ERA), Malta
- Fundación Oceana – Oceana in Europe
- Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA)
- The Mediterranean Network of Marine Protected Areas Managers (MedPAN)
- Worldwide Fund for Nature – Mediterranean (WWF Mediterranean)
- Worldwide Fund for Nature – North Africa (WWF NA).
This achievement marks a new chapter in promoting stronger, more structured collaboration to implement the Action Plans across the Mediterranean region.
Two side events enriched the agenda, highlighting nature conservation experiences from Türkiye and Libya. These sessions offered valuable insights into national initiatives and the deep links between natural and cultural heritage in the region.
The meeting concluded with heartfelt acknowledgements to all those who contributed to its success:
- Mr. Bayram Öztürk (Türkiye), Chairperson of the meeting, for his moderation and the generous hospitality extended through the TUDAV Foundation, including a visit to the Istanbul Aquarium;
- Mr. Leonardo Tunesi (Italy) and Ms. Lara Samaha (Lebanon), Vice-Chairs;
- Ms. Silvia García Higuera (Spain), Rapporteur;
- the Coordinating Unit of UNEP/MAP – Barcelona Convention, SPA/RAC team and regional consultants;
- and the Government of Türkiye, interpreters and logistics team.
