RAC/SPA participates to the 3rd Meeting of Government-designated Experts on the Application of the ECAP by MAP

The third Meeting of Government-designated Experts on the Application of the Ecosystem Approach by MAP took place to discuss and agree on the initial integrated assessment report, on the next steps of the road map, including ecological objectives, operational objectives and indicators and the proposed timetable for further implementing the ecosystem approach roadmap.

The Secretariat integrated by MedU, MEDPOL, PAP/RAC, BLUE PLAN and RAC/SPA officers, provided an update on the progress made on implementation of the Ecosystem Approach roadmap since the meeting of Government-designated experts held in Athens in July 2008. It presented also the main outcomes of the Initial Integrated Assessment of the Mediterranean Sea and reported on the review comments received from GESAMP and presented then the draft proposed ecological objectives associated with its operational objectives and indicators that were discussed in depth and agreed at the third technical expert meeting as amended after consultation with GFCM and at national level as suggested by the technical meeting.

The meeting embarked in a general discussion of the proposal and reviewed the proposed ecological objectives, operational objectives and indicators with the view to their endorsement for submission to the Meeting of MAP focal points in September.

The meeting discussed the proposed major outcomes and timetable and endorsed them for their transmission to the meeting of MAP Focal points meeting.

 Based on discussions held at the meeting, the Secretariat prepared on the spot and submitted for discussion a draft decision on the further application of the ecosystem approach.