European Union to sign ICZM Protocol

We are pleased to announce that the Environment Council of last Thursday, December 4, 2008 formally adopted a decision to sign the ICZM Protocol for the Mediterranean. The actual signature of the European Union will be deposited in Madrid shortly.

This very good news was conveyed to PAP/RAC by our Focal Point, Ms. Birgit Snoeren, from the DG Environment. The signature of the EU should be understood as a positive sign to other countries that have not yet signed the Protocol, as well as to those that have started the Protocol ratification process. Entering into force of this important legal instrument is of crucial importance for sustainable development of coastal areas of the Mediterranean and for a better quality of life of its populations.