Barcelona Convention

In 1975 the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) was adopted by 16 Mediterranean countries and the European Community. Focus was aimed at marine pollution control. On the 16th of February 1976 these Parties adopted the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution or the Barcelona Convention. The Convention Protocols aim to protect and improve the marine and coastal environment in the Mediterranean.

Contracting Parties

• Albania
• Algeria
• Bosnia Herzegovina
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Egypt
• the EU
• France
• Greece
• Israel
• Italy
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Malta
• Morocco
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Syria
• Tunisia
• Turkey

Objectives and aims

• Assessing and controlling marine pollution (by development and adoption of Protocols that prescribe measures, procedures and regulations and by using the best environmental practices)
• Sustainable management of natural marine and coastal resources
• Protecting the natural and cultural heritage
• Protecting the marine environment and coastal regions through actions aimed at prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution such as the application of the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle
• Integrating the environment into economic and social development
• Strengthening solidarity by promoting cooperation between countries bordering the Mediterranean
• Contributing to improving quality of life

References

Europa, Summaries of EU legislation, Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean