This paper intends to review the plans and networks for protected areas in the Mediterranean region. It will focus on the management and institutional weaknesses, strengths, gaps and synergies, trying to highlight those areas where further work is needed. It seeks to review on what has been done rather than on forward looking plans.With this purpose this paper is organised as follows:Part 1. Introductory remarks and methods, together with a rapid overview of natural values and conservation problems in the region.Part 2. Overview of the status of protected areas, and a revision of the main gaps and needs, as based on the information from regional assessments and Experts' Meetings.Part 3. Assessment of the main regional networks of protected areas, their action plans and status of implementation, in relation to the weaknesses previously found.Part 4. Identification of the main gaps and needs in action, and preliminary conclusions on best opportunities to create synergies, between existing plans and networks, along the four priority streams for Durban 2003Ce document tente de revoir les plans et les réseaux pour les aires protégées de la zone Méditerranéenne. Il fait le point sur la gestion et les faiblesses des institutions, les forces, les manques et la dynamique des aires où un travail approfondi est utile. Il met l'accent sur ce qui a été fait plutôt que sur les projets.Dans ce sens, le document se présente comme suit :1ere partie Remarques d'introduction et méthodes, avec un rapide aperçu des valeurs naturelles et des problèmes de conservation dans cette région.2ème partie Aperçu des statuts des zones protégées, et révision des principaux manques et besoins,