The Mediterranean Sea forms the coastline of twenty-one countries in the Mediterranean region. Although it merely represents approximately 3% area of the world’s seas and oceans, it receives almost one-third of the world’s maritime traffic and tourism. Growing levels of urbanization, industrialization and maritime traffic have significantly increased the likelihood of environmental risks to the fragile ecosystems.

The Workshop on the Implementation of the Barcelona Convention was conducted between 5 and 7 December, 2005. Thirty-two representatives of the Ministries of Environment, Fisheries, Justice, Tourism, and Transport; Municipalities; and the United Nations, participated in the Workshop.

Objectives
 Familiarize participants with the main problems of the marine environment.
 Present relevant international and national texts to enhance the concrete application of environmental law for the protection of the marine environment.

Outcomes
 Preparation of an Action Plan based on the exchange of good practices between participants and the collaboration between public authorities.

Partners
 Swiss Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
 Bureau of International Cooperation of the Principality of Monaco
 The Ministry for Regional Planning, Water, and the Environment of the Kingdom of Morocco