UNEP – Regional Seas Programme Monaco takes part in the 24th Conference of the Parties to the Barcelona Convention

Held under the theme “Blue Growth in the Mediterranean: towards a resilient and sustainable future”, the Cairo Conference was fully consistent with the Principality’s priorities in the field of sustainable maritime development.

The Conference took place in a particularly symbolic context, marking both the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP)—the executive body of the Barcelona Convention—the 30th anniversary of the Convention in its current form, and against the backdrop of the forthcoming entry into force of the Agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). 

The Prince’s Government was represented at the Conference by Mr Tidiani Couma, Head of Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Reflecting the Principality’s political and diplomatic commitment to the protection of the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco’s participation was further strengthened by the notable presence of Monegasque stakeholders, in particular the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (PA2F) and the MedFund, as well as organisations based in Monaco such as the Secretariats of the ACCOBAMS Agreement and the Pelagos Sanctuary.

Actively engaged in Mediterranean processes—particularly within the framework of the Barcelona Convention—the Principality of Monaco was elected unanimously at this COP as Vice-Chair of the Bureau of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP). This election reflects the recognition by all Contracting Parties of Monaco’s long-standing commitment to the protection of the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment, as well as its diplomatic role in promoting regional cooperation and environmental multilateralism.

In its statements, Monaco’s delegation welcomed the inclusion on the agenda of a number of key issues, including marine biodiversity, the fight against all forms of pollution—particularly plastic pollution—marine protected areas, the MedFund, marine scientific research, the economic and social value of the Mediterranean, the impacts of human activities and climate change, as well as the essential role of civil society. The delegation recalled that these challenges have long been championed by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, reaffirming the Principality’s sustained commitment to the protection of the Mediterranean Sea.