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.

Although they appear distinct, the issues under the two Working Groups’ consideration are interrelated as they are developing ways to implement the targets and goals of the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and both address issues of fair and equitable participation and sharing of benefits in relation to biodiversity.

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.