The significance of Mediterranean Coast Day cannot be overstated, especially as we face the triple planetary crisis of pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. The Mediterranean region is particularly affected by these challenges, warming 20% faster than the global average. This important event spotlights the crucial role of raising environmental awareness under the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in the Mediterranean, reminding us to preserve coastal natural habitats, habitats, landscapes, resources, and ecosystems – while it’s still time. With that aim, it brings together policymakers, academia, public entities, media, NGOs, and local communities to promote sustainable coastal development practices. 

Each year, Mediterranean Coast Day centres around distinct ICZM-related themes. In 2024, we will celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in achieving coastal sustainability. 

Amplifying women’s voices

Women, who often ensure access to food, water and education, are disproportionately impacted by climate change, especially in rural areas. According to a UN Women report, rural women work harder and walk farther during times of drought and unpredictable rainfall to provide for their households. This heightened burden also increases their vulnerability to gender-based violence, which is worsened by climate-induced conflicts and inequalities. Despite women’s central role in societies and economies, a recent UNEP report on coastal and marine management, policy and research highlights that “the contributions of women have historically been underestimated” and even “routinely ignored”. 

Keeping this in mind, PAP/RAC Director, Daria Povh-Škugor and Deputy Director, Marko Prem, point out that gender inequality remains an issue in our society, with the gender gap to be closed in the Mediterranean countries ranging from 20 to 43%, compared to 31% at the global level (State of the Environment and Development in the Mediterranean, 2020). However, having worked with many amazing women striving to make the sustainable development of the Mediterranean coast a reality, the focus of PAP/RAC and the entire Barcelona Convention system is on solutions and actions. This year, through the Mediterranean Sea Programme: "Enhancing Environmental Security," funded by the Global Environment Facility, we have a unique opportunity to reach women across the region and allow them to share their stories, inspiring others to take action.

Because your story matters

We invite women advocating for marine and coastal conservation, running sustainable businesses, developing services to enhance coastal communities and their climate resilience, promoting responsible fisheries and aquaculture, or sustainable tourism practices to share their stories. By doing so, you and your project or organisation will gain visibility by being featured across Mediterranean Coast Day platforms and partner channels,  and have the opportunity to create a network with other women and make a difference for the Mediterranean.

To submit your story, complete this form in English or French by 30 August 2024. 

Share this Call with your family, friends, colleagues, and fellow changemakers to encourage more women to join the #WomensWave for coastal sustainability in the Mediterranean.

Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook for further updates and insights about the 2024 edition of the Mediterranean Coast Day. 

Contact: Tea Marasović: [email] tea.marasovic@paprac.org

About the project: 

The Mediterranean Sea Programme (MedProgramme), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and launched in 2020, is dedicated to 'Enhancing Environmental Security' across ten countries: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey. Led by the UNEP/Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) with support from UNEP and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the MedProgramme collaborates with reputable partners such as UNESCO/IHP, European Investment Bank (EIB), IUCN Med, GWP Med, WWF Med, Plan Bleu, PAP/RAC, SCP/RAC, and SPA/RAC.

This initiative aims to alleviate major transboundary environmental stresses in coastal regions while bolstering climate resilience, ensuring water security, and enhancing the well-being of coastal communities. Emphasizing gender mainstreaming, the MedProgramme strives for equitable environmental management that benefits both women and men.

Building upon previous endeavours like the MedPartnership, ClimVar and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) GEF projects, the MedProgramme leverages enriched knowledge and understanding of the Mediterranean environment. It comprises eight Child Projects designed to deliver complementary outcomes, aligned with the priorities identified in the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) for the Mediterranean Sea. A detailed list of all Child Projects and the executing partners is available on the UNEP/MAP website. 

The Mediterranean Coast Day celebration is an integral component of Child Project 2.1 titled “Mediterranean Coastal Zones: Water Security, Climate Resilience and Habitat Protection”. The project is executed by PAP/RAC, the Regional Activity Centre of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), which supports Mediterranean countries on their path towards sustainable coastal development. With the backing of UNEP/MAP, the Centre has incorporated gender equality as a core component across all its activities, including the implementation of Child Project 2.1 under the GEF MedProgramme framework.