At COP29 in Baku, PAP/RAC showcased its leadership in advancing coastal adaptation and resilience across the Mediterranean.
Spotlight on Tunisia
On November 19, PAP/RAC Director, Daria Povh Škugor, participated in an event highlighting Tunisia's efforts toward a sustainable and resilient future. Tunisia is addressing climate challenges through initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable coastal zones and advancing integrated coastal zone management (ICZM). PAP/RAC is a key partner in these efforts, supporting ecosystem and community resilience across the Mediterranean.
Daria and Ante Ivčević, PAP/RAC Programme Officer, held discussions with Tunisia's Minister of the Environment, the Secretary General of Maritime Affairs, and the Director General of the Coastal Protection and Planning Agency (APAL), laying the groundwork for activities, including the 2025 Mediterranean Coast Day, celebrating APAL’s 30th anniversary.
Bridging science, policy, and gender equality for climate adaptation
November 21 saw impactful events at the Mediterranean Pavilion, marking the Day of Oceans, Coastal Zones, Nature & Biodiversity, Gender Equality, and Indigenous People.
MedECC report launch
PAP/RAC contributed to the new MedECC report, which addresses climate risks, adaptation pathways, and governance strategies. The report aligns adaptation actions with the UN SDGs, emphasizing the region’s social and cultural values.
Women leaders in climate action - perspectives from the Euro-Mediterranean region
Organized by the Union for the Mediterranean, this event celebrated the contributions of women in driving climate action, inspiring future leaders.
PAP/RAC’s side event: Enhancing regional climate change adaptation
The Mediterranean Pavilion closed with PAP/RAC’s side event, “Enhancing Regional Climate Change Adaptation in the Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Areas.” The session addressed the needs of coastal management authorities for strategic planning and adaptation priorities.
UNEP’s Mirey Atallah opened the event, followed by presentations on regional efforts:
- Daria Povh Škugor shared PAP/RAC’s work, highlighting Croatian case studies like Šibenik-Knin County
- Tamara Brajović from the Ministry of Tourism, Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, Montenegro, presented the coastal management plan for Boka Kotorska Bay
- Ante Ivčević introduced Morocco’s Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima coastal plan, emphasizing adaptation strategies.
A panel discussion, “Planning for Coastal Resilience and Access to Climate Financing,” highlighted progress in Montenegro and Morocco through the MedProgramme’s Child Project 2.1 and SCCF initiatives funded by the Global Environment Facility, alongside successes from Tunisia, Croatia, and regional partners such as GWP-Med, Plan Bleu/RAC, and the Ocean & Climate Platform.
Through these initiatives, PAP/RAC continues to lead efforts in adapting Mediterranean coasts to climate challenges, laying the foundation for a more resilient future.
