The Ecosystem Approach Correspondence Group on Monitoring (CORMON) for Coast and Hydrography held its meeting on 30 September 2025 via teleconference, focusing on strengthening climate change-related monitoring across the Mediterranean. This exceptional, theme-focused meeting, was held following the request of the MAP Focal Points meeting held in Athens, Greece between 16 and 19 September 2025.
The meeting was attended by 25 participants from 15 Mediterranean countries, who reviewed proposals for new climate change Common Indicators under Ecological Objectives 7 (Hydrography) and 8 (Coastal Ecosystems and Landscapes), and agreed to designate five new Candidate Common Indicators (CCIs): two under EO7 and three under EO8.
These indicators will be further developed, with possibility to have EO7 candidate indicators reconsidered for upgrade to full Common Indicators at COP 25 in 2027, and EO8 candidates at COP 26 in 2029. The process will rely on data availability, enhanced scientific knowledge, assessment methodologies, and capacity building, including pilot projects.
CORMON members emphasized the need for an initial assessment of data availability across the Mediterranean and highlighted the importance of accounting for country-specific contexts. Future CORMON meetings will refine the details of the indicators, including their titles, Good Environmental Status (GES) definitions, targets, and guidance factsheets.
This step marks important progress toward harmonized climate change monitoring in the region.
