Guidance Document on Preparation of National Action Plans for the Implementation of The Mediterranean Strategy for the Prevention of, Preparedness, and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships (2022-2031) – Sep 04, 2025
The Mediterranean Strategy for the Prevention of, Preparedness, and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships (2022-2031) (the “Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031)”) informed by the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution ¨Towards a pollution-free planet “, and building on insights from previous mandates (the Regional Strategy 2016-2021), is a new regional framework of cooperation on the implementation of internationally recognised regulations, particularly those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention). Adopted by the Contracting Parties (CPs) at their 22nd Ordinary Meeting (COP 22) in 2021 (Decision IG.25/16), it is a testament to the collective commitment of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention to protect their shared marine environment.
The Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031) is also a call to action. It invites all parties to work together towards a shared vision of a cleaner, healthier, and sustainable Mediterranean Sea, encouraging the formation of sustainable partnerships to enhance international cooperation and maximise synergies in addressing marine pollution.
Read more about the Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031).
In order to provide a clear and comprehensive guidance to all Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention in the formulation of their National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of the Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031), and for stakeholders to engage in contributing to the National Assessment (NA), REMPEC developed the present Guidance Document.
What is the purpose of this Guidance Document?
The Guidance Document aims to set measures to prevent, mitigate, and respond to pollution from ships, calling upon Contracting Parties to strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks, ratify relevant international conventions, and engage in collaborative efforts to address marine pollution. REMPEC supports all these efforts by providing technical assistance, promoting capacity building initiatives, and facilitating resource mobilisation.
The Guidance Document also aims to become a practical tool to guide individual Contracting Parties in the preparation of their NAPs for the effective implementation of the Mediterranean Strategy (2022-2031) at the national level and, in all regional and international instruments addressing the prevention of, preparedness, and response to marine pollution from ships to which they are Parties. The Guidance Document also enables Contracting Parties to carry out a self-assessment of national capabilities and performance.
The Guidance Document was endorsed by the 16th Meeting of Focal Points of REMPEC held in Malta between 13 and 15 May 2025.
The Guidelines in both English and French are available to download below.
