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UNEP/MA United Nations Environment Programme - Mediterranean P Action Plan

Mediterranean Action Plan and Aarhus Convention

in the Mediterranean Dr. Tatjana Hema, Programme officer

Coordinating Unit UNEP/MAP Civil society, Environment and Sustainable Development from information to active participation International Conference, Panteon University 23-24 November 2007, Athens, 1 Greece

UNEP/MA United Nations Environment Programme - Mediterranean P Action Plan

MEDITERRANEAN ACTION PLAN Established in 1975 under UNEP/Regional Seas Programs First focus pollution assessment and control Adoption of the Barcelona Convention (Barcelona,1976) and its Protocols Revised in 1995 (achievements, shortcomings of MAP Phase I, and RIO principles – establishment of MAP Phase II Shifted since 1996 from a sectorial approach to the approach ICAM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) Adoption of the amendments to the Barcelona and Convention, ( Barcelona,1995), other Protocols were amended or adopted Establishment of the Mediterranean Commission for Sustainable Development, 1996 Adoption of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development, 2005 Civil society, Environment and Sustainable Development : from information to active participation International Conference, Panteon University 23-24 November 2007, Athens, Greece 2

UNEP/MA United Nations Environment Programme - Mediterranean P Action Plan

MAP OBJECTIVES Ensure sustainable management of natural marine and land resources and to integrate the environment in social and economic development, and land-use policies; Protect the marine environment and coastal zones through prevention of pollution, and by reduction and, as far as possible, elimination of pollutant inputs, whether chronic or accidental; Protect nature, and protect and enhance sites and landscapes of ecological or cultural value; Strengthen solidarity among Mediterranean coastal States in managing their common heritage and resources for the benefit of present and future generations; Contribute to improvement of the quality of life

Civil society, Environment and Sustainable Development : from information to active participation International Conference, Panteon University 23-24 November 2007, Athens, Greece 3

UNEP/MA United Nations Environment Programme - Mediterranean P Action Plan

MAIN COMPONENTS OF MAP Integrating Environment and Development  Economic Activities and Environment ; Conservation of natural resources; Integrated coastal area management; Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development Conservation of nature, landscape and sites  Data collection, periodic assessment; Legal measures; planning and management Assessment, prevention and elimination of marine pollution  Monitoring; Pollution prevention from LBS and Sea based activities ( including maritime transport and pollution from ships

Information and participation

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Civil society, Environment and Sustainable Development : from information to active participation 4 International Conference, Panteon University 23-24 November 2007, Athens, Greece

UNEP/MA United Nations Environment Programme - Mediterranean P Action Plan

Legal Base for PI&P Article 15 - Public Information and Participation “1. The Contracting Parties shall ensure that their competent authorities shall give to the public appropriate access to information on the environmental state in the field of application of the Convention and the Protocols, on activities or measures adversely affecting or likely to affect it and on activities carried out or measures taken in accordance with the Convention and the Protocols. •

The Contracting Parties shall ensure that the opportunity is given to the public to participate in decision-making processes relevant to the field of application of the Convention and the Protocols, as appropriate.

3. The provision of paragraph 1. of this Article shall not prejudice the right of Contracting Parties to refuse, in accordance with their legal systems and applicable international regulations, to provide access to such information on the ground of confidentiality, public security or investigation proceedings, stating the reasons for such a refusal.” 5

UNEP/MA United Nations Environment Programme - Mediterranean P Action Plan

Access to Information Information strategy adopted in 1999 Institutional structures set up The Information Unit at the Secretariat and INFO/RAC, a national Centre with regional vocation established by Italy. In particular, INFO RAC is expected to provide the necessary ICT tools and programs to MAP and to CPs in order for them to ensure public access to information and buidling an shared information system for MAP. All MAP Regional Activity Centres) issue different publications such as the Blue Plan Environment and Development Report, White Book on ICZM, joint publication EEA/MEDPOL on Pollution in the Mediterranean and other public-friendly publications MAP and all RACs websites, which provide information to all interested actors on issues related to MAP, profile and field of expertise of all RACs and state of environment of marine and coastal area in the Mediterranean. All documents are published on the MAP website in two or four languages. Two MAP RACs, PAP and SPA/ RACs in Croatia and Tunis have established clearing houses mechanism. Any request for information by a member of the public is dealt with in conformity with the specific provisions of the Convention. Any information provided as mentioned above is free of charge

Civil society, Environment and Sustainable Development : from information to active participation International Conference, Panteon University 23-24 November 2007, Athens, Greece 6

UNEP/MA United Nations Environment Programme - Mediterranean P Action Plan

New protocol on ICZM : PI&P and Access to Justice •There is no provision on access to justice under the Barcelona Convention and its protocols • Elements of “ access to justice on environmental matters in the coastal zone of the Mediterranean Sea. •New elements on public participation such as the establishment of partnerships of the CPs with civil society. •Cooperation with the civil society for the implementation of the Protocol

Civil society, Environment and Sustainable Development : from information to active participation 7 International Conference, Panteon University 23-24 November 2007, Athens, Greece

UNEP/MA United Nations Environment Programme - Mediterranean P Action Plan

New MAP developments on PI&P •New reporting format under article 26 of the Convention to be adopted •Questions on implementation of Article 12 are introduced for the first time •Information and Communication strategy to be regularly updated •Reporting on and monitoring the implementation of the MSSD and NSSD •MCSD institutional changes - a more open forum to other actors in the region •Assessment of MAP/Civil Society Partnership and criteria ( taken also into account the Almaty guidelines) •Ratification of Aarhus convention –a progress indicator for the MSSD implementation

Civil society, Environment and Sustainable Development : from information to active participation 8 International Conference, Panteon University 23-24 November 2007, Athens, Greece