UfM Regional Platform on Sustainable Blue Economy

The UfM Regional Platform on Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) convenes regularly to guide the implementation of the UfM Ministerial Declarations on Blue Economy, as agreed upon by the 43 member countries. Co-chaired by the UfM Co-Presidency and supported by the UfM Secretariat, the platform brings together national representatives designated by member countries—specifically the UfM Focal Points on Sustainable Blue Economy—as well as Permanent Observers, including regional and international organisations, IFIs, the civil society and the private sector.

The objectives of the Regional Platform include:

• Shaping and Steering Implementation: Developing the regional agenda and portfolio for SBE in accordance with Ministerial recommendations and priorities.
• Creating Synergies: Facilitating collaboration among existing and emerging joint initiatives, projects, and programs, while promoting the convergence and coordination of efforts at the regional level.
• Exchanging Information: Sharing insights, best practices, and expertise among countries, experts, and stakeholders.

Additional participants may be invited on an ad hoc basis to enhance coordination with other relevant initiatives and to ensure inclusive participation from all stakeholders.

The actions of the Regional Platform are detailed in the Roadmap for the implementation of the 2021 UfM Ministerial Declaration on SBE. This Roadmap aims to provide an in-depth overview and analysis of the collective needs, gaps, and opportunities for future support, funding, and implementation related to each of the ten priorities established by the Declaration. It also includes a monitoring, reporting, and evaluation system to assess progress toward the implementation of the Ministerial objectives at the regional level.

On 17 November 2015, the UfM member states adopted the first Ministerial Declaration on Blue Economy, aiming to strengthen the blue economy’s potential in the Mediterranean, enhance maritime governance, and foster jobs and innovation.

The 1st UfM Regional Stakeholder Conference on the Blue Economy took place on 29-30 November 2017 in Naples, Italy, to create a Mediterranean blue economy community and promote sustainable development initiatives. During this conference, the UfM Secretariat revitalized the Virtual Knowledge Centre on the Blue Economy, now the Mediterranean Blue Economy Stakeholder Platform.

In February 2021, they adopted the 2nd Ministerial Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy, establishing ten priority areas for cooperation. This Declaration positions sustainable development, climate neutrality, decarbonization, and circularity at its core, providing a framework to fully leverage the Mediterranean’s blue economy potential.

Following this, UfM countries produced and approved a Roadmap for implementing the 2021 Declaration, outlining actionable steps to advance the blue economy in the region.

• 2nd UfM Stakeholder Conference on Sustainable Blue Economy (Athens, 19-20 February, 2024)
• 2^nd UfM Ministerial Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy (02 February 2021)
• 1^st UfM Stakeholder Conference on Blue Economy (Naples, 29-30 November 2017)
• Online stakeholder consultation to promote participation and engagement (11-25March 2020)
• UfM Ministerial Declaration on Blue Economy (17 November 2015)

23 May 2024, Barcelona
Blue Med Partnership moves to identify and approve funding for sustainable blue economy investments