MedWaves

MedWaves evolved from two 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). Formed through a collaborative agreement between the Spanish Ministry of Environment and the Government of Catalonia in 1996, MedWaves was established under the legal framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) under the Barcelona Convention, belonging to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Stockholm Convention on POPs was later linked to the centre.  Tying together a regional framework with a global agreement, MedWaves establishes a platform to develop joint solutions addressing shared environmental challenges.

The centre supports Contracting Parties, or member countries, in the Mediterranean. Empowering and supporting parties as part of a regional effort strengthens the overall collective approach.