Post-2020 Regional Strategy for MCPA and OECM

Post-2020 Regional Strategy for Marine and Coastal Protected Areas and Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures in the Mediterranean

In 1995, the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (SPA/BD Protocol) was adopted under the framework of the Barcelona Convention, providing a regional basis for the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biological diversity in the Mediterranean. Since its entry into force in December 1999, a number of strategic tools related to Marine and Coastal Protected Areas have been developed to support the Contracting Parties in meeting their obligations under the Protocol, as well as under other relevant global frameworks, in particular the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The roadmap to achieve Aichi Target 11 in the Mediterranean

In order to translate the CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and in particular Aichi Biodiversity Target 11, at the Mediterranean level, the Contracting Parties adopted at their 16th Ordinary Meeting (COP 16) in 2016, a Roadmap for a Comprehensive Coherent Network of Well-Managed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to achieve the Aichi Target 11 in the Mediterranean.

In 2019, the roadmap implementation was assessed and the results were presented to COP 21. While significant progress had been achieved — with some countries exceeding, meeting or approaching the 10% coverage target set for 2020 — the Mediterranean region as a whole remained below the objective.

The 2020 status of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean

This 2020 report on the status of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Mediterranean assesses the progress made since 2016 in terms of designation, governance, management, regulation and conservation of habitats and species. The report presents a complete list of the different MPA designations in the Mediterranean, classified by country and type of protection, and includes an appendix detailing the new sites created between 2017 and 2019.

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A transformational strategy to reach the 30×30 target in the Mediterranean

Building on these findings, the Contracting Parties requested SPA/RAC to elaborate an ambitious and transformational post-2020 strategy, in line with the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and other relevant regional and global processes.

The objective was to further advance and strengthen the network of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas (MCPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in the Mediterranean, contribute to the achievement of global targets, and address existing challenges, including geographical imbalances, biases in the types of ecosystems protected, and weaknesses in management effectiveness and enforcement.

The integration and recognition of OECMs as a means to achieve the ambitious post-2020 targets are central to this transformational approach.

Development process and resulting Post-2020 MCPA & OECM Strategy

The Post-2020 MCPA & OECM Strategy was developed in 2021 under the coordination of SPA/RAC, with the guidance of the Ad Hoc Group of Experts for Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean (AGEM), and in consultation with the SPA/BD Focal Points of the Contracting Parties, as well as relevant national, regional and international organizations and stakeholders.

Four online consultation meetings and workshops led to the elaboration of a draft strategy, which was submitted to the Barcelona Convention’s biennial governance meetings. The SPA/BD and MAP Focal Points meetings (June and September 2021, respectively) reviewed and endorsed the Strategy, which was subsequently adopted by COP 22 (Antalya, Türkiye, December 2021).

The Strategy comprises five strategic pillars and their corresponding strategic outcomes, 20 outputs, and indicative key actions under each output. Actions are identified at the level of the Contracting Parties as well as at the level of national, regional and international organizations.

The figure below provides an overview of the MCPA & OECM Strategy:

Implementation and follow-up of the Post-2020 MCPA & OECM Strategy

The implementation of the Strategy is designed as a cooperative process, centred on the effective participation and collaboration of stakeholders at local, national, sub-regional and regional levels. These include intergovernmental agencies, local communities, civil society, the private sector, research and academic institutions, MCPA networks, and relevant regional and international organisations.

Contracting Parties are responsible for implementing the relevant actions at national and local levels and for enabling effective collaboration and active participation of national and local stakeholders and other sectors.

SPA/RAC, with the support of the MAP Secretariat, plays a central role in coordinating and facilitating the achievement of the Strategy’s outcomes, through the provision of technical and logistical support and, where possible, financial assistance to the Contracting Parties. SPA/RAC also promotes regional collaboration among Contracting Parties and with regional and international organisations and donors.

Other regional and international organisations contribute to the implementation of the Strategy by sharing best practices, strengthening capacities, co-financing activities, and providing guidance on innovative tools and approaches.

The implementation timeframe of the Strategy covers the period 2022–2030, with a comprehensive mid-term review in 2026 and a final review in 2030.

Strategy document

Post-2020 regional strategy for marine and coastal protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures in the Mediterranean: MCPA & OECM strategy

This document is also available in French

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