Overview
Within the framework of the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity (SPA/BD Protocol), the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention adopted a regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine and Coastal Bird Species listed in Annex II to the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean.
Although they are not legally binding instruments, Regional Action Plans are adopted by the Contracting Parties as strategic frameworks defining common priorities and actions to be implemented.
They promote the regional cooperation and coordination necessary for the conservation and sustainable management of the species and habitats concerned. This approach has proven essential to ensure their coherent protection across the Mediterranean.
Species concerned
The Action Plan covers the species of marine and coastal birds listed in Annex II of the SPA/BD Protocol: the list of Endangered or Threatened Species.
These species use coastal areas, islands, wetlands and the marine environment for breeding, feeding and migration.
Strategic orientation
The main purpose of the Action Plan is to maintain and/or restore the population levels of bird species listed in the Annex II of SPA/BD Protocol to a favourable conservation status and to ensure their long-term conservation.
Other objectives are central to this Action Plan:
- To share information, knowledge and expertise between Mediterranean countries and organisations dealing with the bird species listed in Annex II.
- To co-ordinate efforts among Mediterranean countries and other relevant organisations, initiatives and agreements, so as to ensure the implementation of this Action Plan.
- To encourage a synergetic approach among Mediterranean countries in the protection of the 25 listed bird species and their habitats.
- To encourage research to fill the many gaps which still exist in knowledge of coastal and pelagic birds in the Mediterranean, particularly of seabird distribution and movements, and of their feeding, moulting and wintering areas at sea.
These objectives are supported by priority actions at national and regional levels.
Implementation
Implementation of the Action Plan is the responsibility of the national authorities of the Contracting Parties.
SPA/RAC ensures regional coordination, facilitates cooperation among countries and supports the development of technical guidance and capacity-building.
International organisations, NGOs, scientific institutions and laboratories may contribute to its implementation and, where appropriate, obtain the status of Action Plan Partner in accordance with the procedures adopted by the Contracting Parties.
List of the Regional Action Plan’ Partners
The list below has been approved by the Seventeenth Meeting of SPA/BD Focal Points, held in Istanbul from 20 to 22 May 2025.
- ERA : Environment & Resources Authority (Malta)
- ISPRA: Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Italy)
- MedPAN: The Mediterranean network of Marine Protected Areas Managers (France)
- WWF Mediterranean: World Wide Fund for Nature – Mediterranean (Italy)
- WWF NA: World Wide Fund for Nature – North Africa (Tunisia)
Adoption and updates
- Initial adoption: 1995
- Subsequent revisions adopted by the Contracting Parties
- Latest update: adopted by COP 23 (2023)
