In our shared pursuit of establishing a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Mediterranean region, we find a remarkable ally in the MedWaves regional center. As MEDports Association, an organization dedicated to fostering collaboration, production, and exchange among Mediterranean ports, we recognize the paramount importance of visionary partners like MedWaves. Our mission extends beyond the shores of the Mediterranean, aiming to create a thriving platform for cooperation and international visibility among ports spanning Asia, Africa, and Europe. It is with great enthusiasm that we turn our attention to MedWaves, an organization that shares our commitment to sustainability and innovation, and is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the future of our beloved Mediterranean.
A Historical Origin: United Nations Roots
The roots of MedWaves trace back to two pivotal United Nations treaties: the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Established in 1996 through a collaborative agreement between the Spanish Ministry of Environment and the Government of Catalonia, MedWaves operates under the legal framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) under the Barcelona Convention, an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Over time, it also became closely associated with the Stockholm Convention on POPs. This unique combination of regional and global agreements positions MedWaves as a platform to develop joint solutions for shared environmental challenges
Nurturing a Sustainable Blue Economy
MedWaves plays a crucial role in advancing a sustainable blue economy in the Mediterranean region. Engaging with key sectors such as coastal tourism, port activity, maritime transport, fisheries, and industry, the organization seeks to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth. This encompasses various sectors, including coastal tourism, port activities, maritime transport, fisheries, and industry, all of which are integral components of the region’s economy. At its core, MedWaves envisions a Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) that supports circular business principles, including waste reduction, product reuse, and natural system regeneration. This approach not only promotes economic viability but also social empowerment and inclusivity, while safeguarding aquatic and coastal ecosystems
Bridging the Gap: MedWaves’ Collaborative Platform
MedWaves serves as a vital meeting ground for stakeholders, bringing together both public and private entities to collaboratively create solutions for a sustainable future. Through the SCP approach, MedWaves provides specific tools and measures to foster circular economies, driving real transformation in industry practices. It also looks at a multi-stakeholder engagement as the key to success. Recognizing the urgency of global challenges, the organisation emphasizes the importance of cooperation among various stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, financial institutions, civil society, academia, and consumers. By promoting meaningful engagement and raising awareness about shared challenges and solutions, MedWaves encourages collective action towards sustainability. In a world faced with pressing environmental challenges, MedWaves stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable thinking. With its unwavering commitment to a brighter, blue future, MedWaves lights the way toward a more equitable and environmentally conscious world