Actualités & Ressources

The aims of the meeting are:

• Enabling face-to-face knowledge exchanges, and promotion of the broader adoption of MedProgramme approaches and solutions. 
• Communication of impacts in the progress of implementation and linkages to dashboard. Establishment of synergistic interactions among Child Projects, and with other relevant initiatives and stakeholders. 
• Providing an opportunity to all Child Projects to showcase their implementation advancement, progress towards impacts and problems encountered, and to engage with a broad audience of peers and stakeholders sharing similar objectives within the overarching goal of achieving environmental security in the Mediterranean Basin. 

The meeting will feature five key modalities for exchange and acquisition of knowledge:

1. Keynote speeches/lectures feeding into the themes of the MedProgramme.
2. Round table discussions on the scientific basis of the implemented activities.
3. Panel discussions on challenges and lessons learned for delivery of planned outputs of each of the Child Projects.
4. Sea of knowledge showcasing knowledge acquired by the individual countries further to the presentations and discussions during the annual stocktaking meeting.
5. Site visit related to PCB disposal activities.

1. Keynote speeches: Five keynote speeches will follow the opening of the meeting by GEF and Implementing Agencies. Keynote speeches are selected topics of relevance to the implementation/financing of the outcomes of the MedProgramme. They are delivered in a lecture-type setting by representatives of relevant agencies. They are intended to promote the broader adoption ofMedProgramme approaches, cooperation and solutions. The following themes are proposed:[1]
2. Towards a sustainable blue economy in the Mediterranean (UNEP/MAP)
3. Role of Global Environment Facility’s International Waters: Learning Exchange and Resources Network (GEF IW:LEARN) in strengthening transboundary water management around the globe (GEF)
4. Public/private investment for environmental protection (EBRD)
5. Revolving fund for wastewater management and innovative financing (EIB)
6. Plan of action for a model Mediterranean Sea (PAMEx) 

This session is expected to last for 2.5 hours including open discussions and Q/A sessions. It is presented in the morning of the first day.

1. Roundtable Presentations: These are knowledge transfer tools addressing the scientific aspects behind the implementation of the Child Projects. The aim of these presentations is to explain for example the WEFE Nexus, or blue economy or MPAs, etc. These are delivered in a setting of round tables moderated by representatives of the executing agencies responsible for implementation of the Child Projects. About 10 scientific topics (i.e. 10 roundtables) are foreseen for discussion. Discussions are held concurrently for 25 minutes each whereby 7 to 8 participants have the option to choose topics of their interest; hence, selecting the appropriate discussion tables consecutively over a three-hour period to participate in. The following topics are proposed for discussion:[2]
2. A solid blue economy for coastal zone stability (CU, PAP/RAC, Plan Bleu).
3. Circular economy and the new plastic pollution treaty proposed for the Mediterranean (EBRD, MedWaves).
4. The Global Framework on Chemicals for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste (UNEP/EBRD). 
5. The Global Biodiversity Framework – 30 by 30 explained, challenges and ambitions in the Mediterranean (SPA/RAC).
6. Balancing of competing water uses through the water, environment, food, ecosystem nexus (GWP/MED).
7. Collection, transport and methods for disposal of PCBs (PCB disposal Contractor).
8. Climate financing for enhancing resilience to climatic variability (UfM).
9. Integrating conjunctive management of surface and groundwater into coastal management plans (UNESCO).
10. Marine spatial planning as a tool to improve biodiversity conversation in the Mediterranean region (IUCN-MED).
11. Bringing the international experience in information management systems for monitoring large marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean context (GRID Geneva- INFO/RAC).

Throughout these discussions, gender aspects are addressed in a cross-cutting manner. This session is planned for 3 hours and will be presented in the afternoon of the first day.

1. Panel Discussions: These are knowledge/experience transfer tools on the challenges and lessons learned from implementation of the Child Projects. The Panel discussions are each moderated by the corresponding representative of the executing partners for each Child Project. Countries’ representatives for each Child Project are presented with specific questions posed to them on issues they faced, challenges and concerns arising during implementation and lessons learned/way forward to address issues of concern. The floor is then opened for questions by the audience. 

One panel discussion will be moderated by the evaluator for the mid-term review with the participation of MedPCU and task managers to address issues identified during the mid-term review.

At the conclusion of the panel discussions session, MedPCU will present a summary overview of the discussions held with the aim to explore interlinkages integrating the objectives of the various Child Projects; hence validating the concept of a single MedProgramme aiming to enhance the environmental security of the Mediterranean Sea. It is foreseen for this panel discussions session to continue over the full 2nd day of the meeting.