18 April 2024 - The long-anticipated “Parliamentarian’s Guide to Protecting the Mediterranean Sea and Coast” has been officially published today. It marks a significant milestone in parliamentary engagement in the field of environmental protection of the Euro-Mediterranean region.

This collaborative effort between the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and its Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) is based on the MoU that PAM and UNEP signed on 10 March 2022.

The Guide, resulting from two years of intensive work between the two organizations, aims to empower parliamentarians with essential tools to navigate environmental protection decision-making processes, while offering concrete solutions on how to translate Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) – in this case the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols - into enforceable national legislation.

The Guide has greatly benefitted from the invaluable contributions of PAM Member States, whose insights and best practices have enriched this pioneering publication.

Key features of the Parliamentarian’s Guide include detailed examinations of legal instruments pertinent to environmental protection, recommendations on critical topics such as tourism, waste management, pollution, and climate action, as well as strategies for policy implementation and enforcement.

Highlighting PAM’s commitment to environmental governance, the Guide underscores the pivotal role of parliamentarians in upholding the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols. It equips lawmakers with the knowledge and strategies necessary to navigate complex legal frameworks and advance sustainable practices across the Mediterranean Sea and Coast.

Moving forward, the Guide will serve as an indispensable resource for parliamentarians and staff within Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention, including members of the European Parliament, facilitating greater compliance and enforcement of environmental regulations in the region.

The Guide is accessible in English at [link]//