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On the 26th of May 2025 the 1st Steering Committee Meeting of the EU-funded WES-BCA project took place in a hybrid format in Brussels, Belgium. The proposed work plan till 2027 was presented and discussed, with its endorsement taking place as the conclusion of the day by the project Focal Points from the Environment and Water Ministries of the 8 MENA Partner Countries (PCs), the EU Delegations to these PCs, the Union for the Mediterranean, the UNEP/MAP – Barcelona Convention system, and project partners.
Much progress has undoubtedly been made in the Mediterranean in terms of reversing environmental pressures, thanks to the long-standing, collective efforts of all types of stakeholders, with the EU being a key major driver. Climate action, water security and biodiversity restoration are key priorities of the EU, being at the core of the European Green Deal. However, the vast and culturally rich Mediterranean with its diverse landscapes, historical significance, and varied mix of coastal countries still faces significant challenges that are exacerbated by human activities.
The goal of WES-BCA is to enhance the capacity of various stakeholders in the MENA countries involved in pollution prevention and reduction, protection of biodiversity and water resources management, in order to support them in formulating and/or implementing the corresponding policies. It also aims to raise awareness, increase knowledge and improve public understanding, stimulating thus behavioural changes needed for appropriate climate action and environmental protection.
To this end, the project’s work plan will be implemented through two complementary, closely related and mutually supportive Components: Component I – focusing on Water, Biodiversity and Environment and Component II – focusing on Communication and Outreach with emphasis on Climate Action.
Component I will focus on Prevention & Reduction of Pollution; Curbing Plastic Pollution & Marine Litter; Promoting the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus approach; Promotion of water efficiency at all steps and levels of water management and use; Climate Change mitigation and adaptation actions, including Water Scarcity and Biodiversity protection as priorities. 16 national activities across the 8 Partner Countries will take place, while at the regional level some 11 study tours, regional trainings and on-line capacity building actions will be organized.
Under Component IΙ, an Outreach Strategy and Implementation Plan will be developed and outreach and communication campaigns will be rolled out in all 8 PCs, targeting specific target groups. Regional networks of climate change/environmental champions will be activated and supported, promoting people-to-people outreach, and local CSOs/NGOs will also be mobilised.
MIO-ECSDE, one of the key WES-BCA consortium members, will be in charge of Component II of the project, with the support of ACR+, RAED and MedWaves. The project is led by LDK Consultants SA.
Read more at www.wes-bca.eu and https://mio-ecsde.org/project/wes-bca/
Read in French here.
