Athens Declaration - Nineteenth Ordinary Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean and its Protocols

Renew the commitment to address the challenges related to environmental protection and sustainable development of the Mediterranean Sea and coast; Commit to further implement the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, by taking measures to reduce pressures on marine and coastal environment, stop the decline of endangered species and safeguard and promote ecosystem services, and resource efficiency; Further commit to implement the UNEP/MAP Mid-Term Strategy 2016-2021. With regards to pollution, the Contracting Parties commit to effectively implement the NAPs and the Regional Plans adopted in the framework of the LBS Protocol, with a particular emphasis on the marine litter for which they commit to achieve significant reduction by 2024; Reaffirm the commitment to take action for climate change adaptation and accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production patterns.