Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention): Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management

PURPOSE: to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2010/631/EU concerning the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean.

BACKGROUND: the Mediterranean coastal zones continue to experience severe environmental pressure and degradation of coastal resources.

The Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution, which was subsequently renamed as the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (the Barcelona Convention) was concluded on behalf of the European Community by the Council in Decisions 77/585/EEC and 1999/802/EC.

In accordance with the Barcelona Convention, the Contracting Parties shall commit themselves to promote the integrated management of the coastal zones, taking into account the protection of areas of ecological and landscape interest and the rational use of natural resources.

By Decision 2009/89/EC of 4 December 2008, the Council signed the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean to the Barcelona Convention (the ICZM Protocol) on behalf of the Community, subject to the subsequent conclusion of the ICZM Protocol at a later date.

CONTENT: this Decision concludes, on behalf of the EU, the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean.

The ICZM Protocol provides a framework to stimulate a more concerted and integrated approach, involving public and private stakeholders including civil society and economic operators. Such an inclusive approach, based on best available scientific observation and knowledge, is required to achieve a more sustainable development of the Mediterranean coastal zones.

While it is appropriate for the Union to act in support of integrated coastal zone management, bearing in mind, inter alia, the cross-border nature of most environmental problems, the Member States and their relevant competent authorities will be responsible for the design and implementation on the coastal territory of certain detailed measures laid down in the ICZM Protocol, such as the establishment of zones where construction is not allowed.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: the Decision shall enter into force on 23October 2010. The date of entry into force of the ICZM Protocol shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.