In 2025, the Mediterranean Regional Activity Centres (RACs) under the UNEP/MAP–Barcelona Convention have convened their National Focal Points (NFPs) meetings, setting the stage for the upcoming MAP Focal Points Meeting and the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP 24), scheduled for December in Egypt.
These biennial meetings provide a key platform for representatives from Mediterranean countries to review progress, align regional priorities, and contribute to the formulation of the Programme of Work for the next biennium.
The first meeting in chronological order was held by the Priority Actions Programme Regional Activity Centre (PAP/RAC) in Athens, Greece, on 6–7 May 2025. Representatives from 17 Mediterranean countries gathered to reaffirm their commitment to Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), Marine Spatial Planning, and coastal adaptation to climate change. The meeting served as an opportunity to review progress in implementing PAP/RAC’s Programme of Work for the current biennium. Participants praised the high quality and diversity of activities, which align closely with the UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy 2022–2027 and the ICZM Protocol Action Plan (2020–2027). National initiatives on ICZM and climate adaptation were also shared, enriching the discussion with diverse perspectives. Key conclusions and recommendations from this meeting will feed into discussions at the MAP Focal Points Meeting and COP 24 later this year.
From 13 to 15 May, Malta hosted the 16th Meeting of the Focal Points of REMPEC (Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea). Over 80 representatives from Mediterranean countries, regional organizations, and UNEP/MAP–Barcelona Convention partners gathered to advance cooperation on marine pollution prevention and response. The meeting resulted in the adoption of a roadmap for transitioning to low carbon shipping, a new policy framework on gender and youth mainstreaming, updated guidelines for dispersant use in oil spill response, and procedures for joint spill response exercises. A unified system for oil pollution detection and investigation was also endorsed to improve aerial surveillance. Progress on the Mediterranean Strategy (2022–2031) for marine pollution prevention and response was reviewed, reinforcing regional efforts for a cleaner and more resilient sea.
From 20 to 21 May, INFO/RAC (Information and Communication Regional Activity Centre) held its 4th National Focal Points Meeting in the scenic Botanical Garden of Palermo, Italy. The session focused on knowledge management, digital infrastructure, and communication strategies within the Barcelona Convention framework. INFO/RAC presented achievements from the 2024–2025 biennium and outlined its proposed Programme of Work for 2026–2027. Key discussions included the evolution of the InfoMAP System and the MAP Operational Strategy, with special attention given to the follow-up of MAP’s 50th anniversary. The feedback gathered will support the finalization of the regional Programme of Work, to be submitted for adoption at COP 24.
Simultaneously, from 20 to 22 May, SPA/RAC (Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre) convened the 17th SPA/BD National Focal Points Meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye. The event brought together delegates from 13 Contracting Parties, along with organizations such as ACCOBAMS, IUCN, MedPAN, and WWF. Discussions focused on assessing progress made since the previous meeting in 2023 and setting priorities for the years ahead under the SPA/BD Protocol and the UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy. A key milestone was reached with the adoption of the first official list of Partners of the Regional Action Plans, following the endorsement of selection criteria at COP 23.
On 27–28 May, Plan Bleu convened its National Focal Points in Marseille and online for two days of strategic exchange. Representatives from 15 Mediterranean countries participated in discussions around Plan Bleu’s strategic vision, action plan for the coming years, and the review of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD). Achievements from the 2024–2025 biennium and perspectives for 2026–2027 were shared in a collaborative and constructive environment. The discussions also looked ahead to major upcoming events, including the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), set to take place in Nice in June 2025.
Finally, on 28–29 May, MedWaves (SCP/RAC) held its 15th National Focal Points Meeting in Barcelona, hosted at the Port Olímpic. The meeting focused on the Centre’s three strategic pillars: green entrepreneurship and civil society, policy development, and regional networking. Delegates reviewed progress made during the current biennium and discussed priorities for 2026–2027. The exchanges between focal points and the Centre’s technical teams laid the foundation for strengthened collaboration on advancing green, circular, low-carbon, and non-toxic economies across the region.