This is confirmed by Daria Povh Škugor, Director of PAP/RAC, the main driving force and organizer of Coast Day: “Coast Day is not just a date on the calendar. It’s a spark that turns awareness into action. The challenges are too big for a single actor. We need strong institutions working together with informed citizens.”
This year, the annual celebration of Coast Day — the international day aimed at raising public awareness on crucial issues such as coastal urbanization, climate change, and sustainable development in the Mediterranean region — had as its central theme: “Inspiring Impact: Mediterranean Institutions for Coastal Resilience.”
The main focus, therefore, was on the role of those who not only design political strategies but also implement them, with a clear understanding of the need to restore damaged nature, strengthen communities, and promote real, lasting change.
On the occasion of Coast Day 2025, PAP/RAC also created an interactive map. It tells the stories of those who are truly making a difference: institutions and organizations across the Mediterranean that are paving the way for a more resilient and inclusive future for our coasts.
Because behind every thriving coastline, there is a community of people and institutions working every day to protect it. Their stories can serve as inspiration for those yet to be told, but which share a common goal: building Mediterranean coasts resilient to climate change, erosion, and biodiversity loss.
“Only by working together can we protect the Mediterranean for future generations. We must keep the dialogue open with businesses, universities, civil society, and the coastal communities themselves,” said Tatjana Hema, Coordinator of UNEP/MAP – the Barcelona Convention, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Mediterranean Coast Day is an annual celebration of our shared coast and a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect it. Bringing together institutions, experts, communities, and citizens, Coast Day inspires solutions, raises awareness, and promotes lasting action for coastal resilience year-round. Coast Day is part of the UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention system and is coordinated by PAP/RAC, the regional activity centre for coastal management.