From 7 to 13 June 2025, PAP/RAC actively participated in the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC2025) in Nice, contributing to a strong and united Mediterranean presence at this global gathering for the ocean. The week underscored the region’s leadership in integrated and resilient ocean solutions, and reaffirmed PAP/RAC’s role in advancing Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) as practical pathways to coastal sustainability.
On 7 June, PAP/RAC joined the launch of the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition, spotlighting the role of cities and regions in building coastal resilience.
On 9 June, PAP/RAC co-hosted a high-level side event in partnership with Croatia’s Ministry of Environment and Green Transition, UNEP/MAP, Plan Bleu, and SPA/RAC.
Titled “Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility: Accelerating Adaptation and Enhancing Resilience from the Mediterranean Lands to the Sea,” the event showcased national and regional efforts to apply MSP and ICZM in strengthening coastal and marine resilience.
The event was opened by Ms. Anja Bagarić, State Secretary at the Croatian Ministry, and Ms. Tatjana Hema, UNEP/MAP Coordinator. It brought forward concrete examples of integrated planning in the Mediterranean, emphasizing the importance of strategic, place-based responses to global climate and biodiversity challenges.
On 10 June, PAP/RAC joined the UNEP/MAP system in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention — a landmark moment for regional cooperation on marine and coastal protection. The celebration was opened by UNEP Under-Secretary-General Inger Andersen, who highlighted the UNEP/MAP system as a global model of multilateral environmental cooperation.
Among the key announcements:
- 🇸🇮 Slovenia, currently holding the presidency of UNEP/MAP Bureau, called for elevating Mediterranean Coast Day to an internationally recognized World Coast Day, and emphasized the need for stronger regional coordination.
- 🇭🇷 Croatia’s Minister of Agriculture, Ms. Marija Vučković, announced the country’s ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, and reaffirmed that over 30% of Croatia’s marine area is now protected, aligning with global ocean conservation targets.
Later the same day, PAP/RAC participated in the side event “Partnering for Ocean Sustainability and SDG14: 30 Years of LME Cooperation and the Path Ahead,” co-organized by GEF IW:LEARN, UNESCO-IOC, and IMO. The session reflected on lessons from Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) cooperation and discussed future partnerships to accelerate progress toward SDG14.
Throughout the week, one message was clear: the Mediterranean has much to offer the global ocean agenda — not only in lessons learned, but also in renewed ambition. The sense of shared purpose and cooperation, with many Mediterranean Environment Ministers present, reaffirmed the region’s determination to work together for a sustainable, resilient ocean future.
