WHO We ARe
The Regional Activity Centre for Information and Communication (INFO/RAC) is part of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) under the Barcelona Convention, coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP/MAP). Established in 2005, INFO/RAC succeeded the former ERS/RAC (Environment Remote Sensing Centre), continuing and expanding its mission in environmental information and communication. Decision IG 19/08 of the16th Meeting of the Contracting Parties (Marrakesh, 2009), formalized its mandate.
Since 2010, INFO/RAC has been managed by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), under the mandate of the Italian Ministry of Environment.
Our Mission
INFO/RAC’s mission is to support environmental protection and sustainable development in the Mediterranean by:
- Facilitating access to environmental information.
- Enhancing communication, public awareness, and participation.
- Supporting national and regional decision-making processes.
INFO/RAC support Contracting Parties in the implementation of Article 15 (Public Participation) and Article 26 (Reporting) of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols. It also contributes to developing a Shared Environmental Information System (SEIS) through cooperation with international partners.
Our Strategic Areas Of Work
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Develop a common infrastructure for environmental and spatial data sharing among Mediterranean countries for the full implementation of the Barcelona Convention, its Protocols and the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD).
- Provide technical assistance for online reporting and data management.
- Promote ICT-based networking and collaboration across the region.
- Improve environmental data flow, reporting systems, and communication strategies.
- Foster environmental education, training, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strengthen partnerships among MAP Components, NGOs, governments, and civil society.
- Promote public participation and awareness of Mediterranean environmental initiatives.
- Bridge science and policy by promoting access to environmental research outcomes.
- Support the uptake of innovative observation and monitoring technologies.
- Collaborate with initiatives like GEO and Copernicus/GMES to enhance knowledge sharing.
National Focal Points: Key Responsibilities
INFO/RAC Focal Points are national representatives who ensure smooth coordination between INFO/RAC and their respective governments. Their responsibilities include:
-
- Facilitating communication between INFO/RAC and national authorities.
- Participating in INFO/RAC meetings and providing feedback.
- Disseminating documents and supporting implementation of relevant decisions.
- Identifying synergies with EU/international programmes (e.g., INSPIRE, GMES).
- Promoting engagement with experts, NGOs, academia, and the media.
Support from Contracting Parties includes:
- Integrating Focal Points into national environmental communication strategies.
- Providing necessary information and resources for their tasks.
INFO/RAC supports Focal Points by:
- Offering information, technical tools, and training.
- Ensuring regular collaboration and capacity building.