The MSSD 2016-2025 was adopted by the Barcelona Convention contracting parties in 2016. It provides an integrative policy framework and a strategic guiding document for all stakeholders and partners to translate the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the regional, sub regional and national levels. It aims to harmonize the interactions between socio-economic and environmental goals, adapt international commitments to regional conditions, guide national strategies for sustainable development, and stimulate regional cooperation between stakeholders in the implementation of sustainable development.
A prosperous and peaceful Mediterranean region in which people enjoy a high quality of life and where sustainable development takes place within the carrying capacity of healthy ecosystems. This is achieved through common objectives, strong involvement of all stakeholders, cooperation, solidarity, equity and participatory governance.
The MCSD is made up of 40 members: 22 permanent, representing each of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, as well as 18 rotating representatives from wider community, that in principle have a mandate of 2 years.
The first Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD) was originally adopted in 2005 by the Contracting parties to the Barcelona Convention.
The Strategy adopted by COP 16 in 2009, aims to establishtheframeworkforaregional harmonized approach in the Mediterranean on ships' ballast water control and management which is consistent with the requirements and standards of the BWM Convention, as outlined in its Article 13.3.
The present Strategy is composed of eight strategic priorities and of an Action Plan and Workplan/Timetable for its implementation.