On 20 March 2025, the 3rd Meeting of the Working Group on MSP took place online, bringing together 18 participants from Mediterranean countries, the European Commission, MedCITIES, and PAP/RAC. The discussions centered on providing technical input for the Position Paper: Advancing MSP in the Mediterranean, as well as reviewing updates on the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD).
The meeting underscored several key aspects of MSP implementation, including:
- Strengthening MSP as a governance tool – reinforcing MSP as a strategic planning process by integrating the ecosystem approach, and climate-smart initiatives to enhance sustainability and resilience.
- Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability – ensuring that blue economy activities align with sustainability goals, mitigating user conflicts, and supporting the green transition.
- Addressing governance challenges – tackling persistent challenges such as misalignment of sectoral policies, fragmented competencies, and regulatory gaps, which continue to hinder effective MSP implementation.
- Enhancing the social dimension of MSP – strengthening MSP’s role in supporting coastal communities, integrating traditional maritime sectors, and fostering inclusive decision-making.
The Position Paper on MSP will serve as a key reference for MSP implementation within the Barcelona Convention framework, helping to define the action plan and Terms of Reference for the WG.
The next MSP WG meeting is scheduled for 5 May 2025 in Athens, to be held back-to-back with the PAP/RAC National Focal Points meeting. This in-person session will be instrumental in finalizing discussions on the Position Paper, refining the group's strategic direction, and strengthening regional coordination for effective MSP implementation.
PAP/RAC remains committed to supporting Mediterranean countries in advancing MSP, ensuring that it becomes a driving force for sustainable marine governance and blue economy development.
