Since 2007, Mediterranean Coast Day has been a beacon for raising awareness about the importance of protecting the region’s coastlines. Every September 25, this special day brings together policymakers, academics, media, NGOs, and local communities to highlight the environmental challenges facing the Mediterranean. It also advocates for concrete actions that support sustainable coastal development and ensure a resilient future for the region.

A trailblazing step towards gender equality and coastal resilience

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality, the 2024 edition of Mediterranean Coast Day highlighted the critical role of women in driving coastal resilience. Alongside the regional celebration held in Annaba, Algeria, the campaign „#WomensWave for Coastal Sustainability in the Mediterranean“ was launched. This initiative not only celebrated women’s contributions to environmental sustainability but also led to the creation of the Mediterranean coastal sustainability network - an online platform designed to foster collaboration and build partnerships across the region, and beyond.

This platform amplifies women’s voices and leadership in coastal and marine conservation, climate action, and other environmental efforts. Featuring powerful stories and testimonials, the campaign showcases how women are creating sustainable solutions for coastal communities.

From an award-winning photojournalist and documentary photographer to a program manager at WWF’s Coastal Communities Initiative, the stories shared reflect the diversity and innovation of women who are passionate about making a difference for our shared coasts. These remarkable women are breaking barriers, promoting coastal sustainability, and inspiring others to follow their lead.

Join the movement: Get involved and keep the wave going

The #WomensWave campaign calls on everyone to contribute to building a more sustainable future for the Mediterranean. As climate change intensifies rising sea levels, and extreme weather events across the region, it is clear that collective action is key to building long-term resilience. 

This campaign was made possible thanks to the Global Environment Facility, as part of the MedProgramme’s Child Project 2.1 and the SCCF project. Learn more at: gefmed.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 “Mediterranean Coastal Zones: Water Security, Climate Resilience and Habitat Protection”, as well as the SCCF Project “Enhancing Regional Climate Change Adaptation in the Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Areas”. The projects are 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.

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