The 23rd Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP 23) to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols gathered in Portorož, Slovenia (4-8 December 2024). The Barcelona Convention serves as an example of how to translate global environment and sustainability commitments into regional legal instruments and action. MedECC joined some 400 participants from Contracting Parties, UN agencies, research organisations, multilateral development banks, the private sector, youth groups, and civil society to attend the four-day meeting organised by UNEP/MAP. The main outcome of the meeting was the Portorož Ministerial Declaration, in which Contracting Parties commit, for instance, to “enhance actions to address climate change in the Mediterranean and increase protection of the marine ecosystems against the detrimental impacts from climate change, and strengthen scientific knowledge and expertise in this area, such as through the Network of Mediterranean Experts on Climate and environmental Change (MedECC)”. COP 23 also adopted 14 decisions, including including on the endorsment of the Summary for Policymakers of the MedECC Special Report on coastal risks.
This video offers valuable insights into these deliberations were key figures such as Piero Lionello, a Professor at the University of Salento and Report Coordinator of the MedECC Special Report on coastal risks; Christos Iaokeimidis, the UNEP/MAP MED QSR Officer; Antoine Lafitte, the Program Head of the Environment and Sustainable Development Observatory at Plan Bleu (UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre); and Arnaud Terrisse, the Project Officer at Plan Bleu (UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre). The multifaceted efforts spearheaded by organisations like UNEP/MAP, Plan Bleu, and MedECC experts show the crucial role of reports and studies that lay the scientific groundwork, empowering the Contracting Parties to make well-informed decisions. Coverage of COP 23 Barcelona Convention by the IISD/Earth Negotiations Bulletin was supported by UNEP.
Produced by Rosalie Boyle, Filmed/Edited by Andres Carvajal.
Visit enb.iisd.org/barcelona-convention-cop23 for comprehensive coverage of COP 23 Barcelona Convention.