New MOC between Ramsar and Barcelona Conventions
Renewed cooperation on Mediterranean wetlands
Yesterday, 7 February, a new memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Secretariat, represented by the secretary general and the Convention for the protection of the marine environment and the coastal region of the Mediterranean (the Barcelona Convention), represented by the coordinator, Mr Paul Mifsud.
The signing took place in the margins of the ninth Special Session of UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum. The MoC will focus on promoting synergies between the agreements, especially where the MedWet imitative can also play a role. The fact that the MedWet Coordination unit and the secretariat of the Barcelona Convention are both in Athens means there can be easy dialogue between these groups.
While covering all aspects of the two conventions activities, the agreement has special focus on protected areas which have wetland components, implementing integrated coastal management, especially via the actions of the Blue Plan/Plan Bleu, and CEPA activities.
The Secretary General agreed with the coordinator that "while the signature is nice occasion - now we need to see some on-ground results!!"
-- Peter Bridgewater, Secretary General
Paul Mifsud and Peter Bridgewater
