By Daria Povh-Škugor (PAP/RAC Director) and Marko Prem (PAP/RAC Deputy Director)
We are delighted and proud to dedicate the 2024 edition of Mediterranean Coast Day to celebrating the vital roles women play in achieving coastal sustainability.
Our planet is facing a triple crisis: of climate, of nature, and of pollution. Here in the Mediterranean, the impacts of this global crisis are magnified, with our region warming 20% faster than the global average.
Women are at the forefront of this triple planetary crisis. They are so often the pillar supporting their families – ensuring access to food, water, education and more. As a result, they are disproportionately impacted by climate change, particularly in rural areas. UN Women report that rural women work harder and walk farther during times of drought and erratic rainfall to provide for their households. This heightened burden also increases their vulnerability to gender-based violence, which is exacerbated by climate-induced conflicts and inequalities.
Women play a central role in societies and economies, where they often show a special ability to manage the multidimensional approaches required in our increasingly complex world. However, a recent UNEP report on coastal and marine management, policy and research highlights that “the contributions of women have historically been underestimated” and even “routinely ignored”.
At PAP/RAC we have been working towards the sustainable management and development of the Mediterranean coast since 1977, and we have collaborated with many amazing women along the way. We recognize that gender inequality remains an issue in our society, but our focus is on solutions and actions. With this in mind, this year’s Mediterranean Coast Day – dedicated to women – is a unique opportunity for women to share their stories and connect, inspiring others to take action.
Plan Bleu’s 2020 report on the State of the Environment and Development in the Mediterranean found that “the gender gap to be closed in Mediterranean countries ranges from 20 to 43%, compared to 31% at the global level.”
Understanding gender dynamics is crucial when it comes to improving natural resource management on the Mediterranean coast. A recent study on Gender analysis for better coastal management highlights that a lack of knowledge about this large portion of resource users, their unequal representation in decision-making processes and managerial positions, and a general tendency to simplify gender-environment relationships can lead to ineffective or counterproductive management strategies. To close the gender gap on our coast, we recommend the following actions:
- Promote gender balance in coastal management decision-making bodies.
- Implement policies that promote gender parity in coastal management authorities and committees.
- Introduce leadership programmes in schools and community centres focused on sustainable coastal management, and ensure they are accessible to girls and young women.
- Facilitate the creation and growth of networks and associations for women in coastal management.
- Establish indicators to monitor the progress of gender inclusion in coastal management.
Men and women use the coastal and marine spaces differently, and their actions can have different environmental impacts. However, their contributions are complementary, and collaboration is essential.
While this year’s focus is on women’s roles, gender equity can only be achieved if men and women work together. Mediterranean Coast Day is for everyone, and our combined efforts are essential to ensure a sustainable future for the unique coastline we share.
Notes
Share your success and inspire other women to make a difference in their coastal communities. Submit your story by 30 August 2024!
PAP RAC would like to give a special thanks to the GEF MedProgramme which is supporting this year’s event. Through its Gender Mainstreaming Strategy, GEF Med-Programme aims to promote sound environmental management that benefits women and men equally.
To uncover more insights, dive in here:
- The Mediterranean Sea Programme: Enhancing Environmental Security (2019–2024): Gender Mainstreaming Strategy, UN Environment Programme/Mediterranean Action Plan, 2018
- Gender Mainstreaming in Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management: Principles, Case Studies and Lessons Learned. UN Environment Programme, 2022
- 2021 Regional Progress Report on Gender Equality: UfM Regional Dialogue on Women Empowerment in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Union for the Mediterranean, 2022.
- We the Women – Global Survey Results. UN Office for Partnerships, 2024.
