About SPA/RAC
The marine biodiversity centre at the service of the Mediterranean countries
The Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC) is an environmental organization established in Tunis in 1985 following a decision by the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean ( Barcelona Convention).
SPA/RAC is one of the eight Components of the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) – Barcelona Convention system. Its mission consists in supporting the Contracting Parties in implementing the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (SPA/BD Protocol).
The Centre works closely with governmental and non-governmental organizations to conserve and sustainable manage threatened species, ecosystems and areas of particular natural and cultural value in the Mediterranean Sea.
Main activities of SPA/RAC
SPA/RAC supports Mediterranean countries in the implementation of regional commitments for the conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity, in line with the SPA/BD Protocol and the principles of the Ecosystem Approach.
Its main activities are structured around the following areas:
Inventory and mapping
SPA/RAC contributes to the identification of species, habitats and sites of conservation interest through inventory and mapping activities, strengthening the scientific basis needed to inform decision-making.
Studies and knowledge improvement
It develops and supports studies aimed at improving knowledge of marine and coastal biodiversity and addressing existing knowledge gaps, in line with regional and national priorities.
Monitoring and assessment of biodiversity
SPA/RAC supports the monitoring and assessment of marine biodiversity status within the framework of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP), assisting countries in the implementation of harmonised monitoring programmes.
Marine Protected Areas and SPAMIs
It supports the designation, development, management and strengthening of Marine Protected Areas and Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMIs), with the objective of building a coherent and effective regional network.
Coordination of conservation programmes
SPA/RAC coordinates and supports conservation programmes at regional level to mitigate threats affecting biodiversity components, while taking into account interactions between ecosystems and human activities.
Capacity building
It organises and supports capacity-building activities to strengthen skills related to biodiversity monitoring, the management of marine protected areas and the implementation of regional conservation strategies.
Information, awareness and education
SPA/RAC promotes knowledge sharing and the dissemination of scientific and technical information, and carries out awareness-raising and educational activities on marine and coastal biodiversity and marine protected areas.
Funding
The principal source of recurrent funding of SPA/RAC activities and staffing is the Mediterranean Trust Fund (MTF). The Tunisian government provides support by hosting the Centre and assuming responsibility for part of the staff.
Additional funding is sought for actions that are clearly defined in space and time, either in response to international calls for proposals or through spontaneous proposals from sponsors, including voluntary contributions from countries, international institutions, donor agencies and the private sector.