From 2 to 5 June 2025, Montpellier hosted the Mediterranean Regional Workshop on Target 3 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Organized by the French Government, the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC N&P), UNEP/MAP and its Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC), with the support of several technical partners, the workshop gathered representatives from eight Mediterranean countries, alongside regional and international organizations.
Strengthening collaboration and practical knowledge
The workshop created a platform to share national progress and challenges in expanding marine and coastal protected areas (MCPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Beyond country presentations, participants explored concrete tools and approaches:
- the HAC 30x30 Matchmaking Platform, designed to connect country needs with technical and financial support,
- the 30x30 Solutions Toolkit, offering guidance and case studies for implementation,
- new Draft guidance on OECMs in the Mediterranean, presented by SPA/RAC experts,
- practical methods to measure management effectiveness, including the IUCN Green List and specific PAME (Protected Area Management Effectiveness) tools,
- innovative approaches for sustainable conservation finance, shared by The MedFund, CEPF and Oceans 5.
Interactive sessions, including a “World Café” with partners, and a field visit to the Scamandre Natural Reserve, enriched the exchanges with hands-on experiences and examples.
Shared priorities and regional recommendations
Discussions highlighted persistent challenges: limited political will, fragmented legal frameworks, insufficient financing, weak management and enforcement, and gaps in monitoring and data-sharing.
To respond, participants converged on key priorities:
- strengthen political commitment at national and regional levels,
- expand coverage of protected areas, especially in biodiversity hotspots,
- recognize and report OECMs,
- improve management effectiveness and governance,
- mobilize sustainable financing for long-term protection,
- enhance collaboration, capacity-building and knowledge sharing.
These conclusions were crystallized in a regional communiqué, amplifying the Mediterranean voice in the global debate. The communiqué was subsequently presented during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), ensuring that Mediterranean priorities contribute to shaping international biodiversity action .
Looking ahead – a busy agenda for Mediterranean MPAs
The workshop provided a useful basis to strengthen cooperation and accelerate progress towards the 30x30 target, equipping countries with practical tools and a stronger network to turn ambition into action. The road ahead offers many opportunities to reinforce marine conservation and to translate recommendations into tangible results.
Its outcomes directly contribute to the broader Post-2020 SAPBIO and the Regional Strategy for Marine and Coastal Protected Areas and OECMs, and will feed into the upcoming COP 24 of the Barcelona Convention (December 2025, Cairo), where Parties will assess progress and adopt new decisions on biodiversity conservation.
In 2026, a mid-term evaluation of the Mediterranean Strategy for MCPAs and OECMs will be undertaken to provide a comprehensive assessment of the progress achieved, identify existing gaps and challenges. Building on the efforts made by the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and regional stakeholders, this evaluation will also help outline the priorities required for the next four years and strengthen the region’s contribution to the achievement of the 30x30 target.
