The current momentum triggered by historical decisions taken by the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention) is accelerating the process toward ship air emissions reduction. The side event will be an opportunity to present the measures put in place, in cooperation with regional stakeholders to implement concrete activities defined in consultation with beneficiary countries to support their ratification and effective implementation of MARPOL Annex VI, which regulate globally the prevention of air pollution from ships.
In December 2021, the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention adopted two critical decisions addressing the Mediterranean efforts to reduce ship air pollution, i.e., the Mediterranean Strategy for the Prevention of, Preparedness, and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships (2022-2031) and the Designation of the Mediterranean Sea, as a whole, as an Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides (Med SOx ECA) pursuant to MARPOL Annex VI. The Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031) sets seven Common Strategic Objectives (CSOs), notably CSO 2 – Promote and support the development and implementation of innovative global solutions to mitigate and respond to climate change and CSO 3 – Reduce and monitor air emissions from ships to a level that is not harmful to the marine environment, or the health of the coastal population of the Mediterranean. These developments created a momentum in the region accelerating the process of reduction of ship air emissions, though several coordinated initiatives.
The objective of the event is to raise awareness on the regional synergy established to reduce ship air pollution in the Mediterranean region, through technical cooperation and capacity-building activities, including financial support and resource mobilisation activities.
Speakers
Dr. Ali Abo Sena, CEO, EEAA, Egypt
Ms. Tatjana Hema, Coordinator, UNEP/MAP
Ms. Camille Bourgeon, Technical Officer, Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency, Sub-Division for Protective Measures, Marine Environment Division, IMO
Mr. Stéphane Pailler (MEAE), PAMEx and its Local Financial Facility
Mr. Pino Musolino, MEDports Association
Mr. Matteo Bocci, Senior Associate, WestMED Initiative
Mr. Mario Dogliani, President, SDG4MED, LIFE4MEDECA project
Moderator
Mr. Gabino Gonzalez Deogracia, Head of Office, REMPEC
