This meeting will address concrete actions to achieve a green transition in the Mediterranean. Issues on the agenda include pollution, climate change and opportunities for a blue economy.

Parties reviewed the main findings of an independent midterm assessment of the Strategic Framework (2018-2030), and reiterated the interlinkages between land degradation, climate change, and biodiversity, and the need for increased synergies with the Rio Conventions. A high-level event affirmed the growing recognition of the importance of sand and dust storms.

As concerns about the scourge of plastic pollution mount worldwide, delegates shared their views on the “full life cycle of plastic,” with some favoring measures addressing plastic production, and others favoring downstream measures to eliminate plastic waste. Still others focused on how best to ensure lasting design standards for plastic products.

Experts from the Western Indian Ocean and other regions met to share knowledge and exchange best practices on ways to enhance cooperation and coordination to advance ocean governance, guided by the themes of inclusion, innovation, and implementation.