The Mediterraneans have understood the urgent need for concerted action in order to curb the deterioration of their living environment. All the bordering countries have come to an agreement, under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme, to develop together ways and means of working towards a better future. The Blue Plan is one of the major components of this joint effort. Its approach consists of exploring, from a future-oriented and systemic point of view, the evolving relationships between populations, natural resources, environment and development for the whole of the Mediterranean basin. By building up possible images of the future of the countries involved and of their coastal regions, taking into account all factors of change, it can enlighten the decision-making which must be made without delay in favour of today's and tomorrow's Mediterraneans.