The MSP community of practice in the Mediterranean : progress and next steps : final report

This report aims: - To summarize the results of CoP activities so far (first two years of work) - To report on some key results from the CoP regarding currently available knowledge, as well as knowledge gaps, with a focus on some priority topics. - To reflect on what an exchange of expertise can offer to advance a regional perspective on MSP in the Mediterranean. - To identify feasible activities for implementation in continuation of the CoP's work. Thematically, the report focuses on the following elements (defined as "sub-topics" in the following chapters), co-identified by the CoP's members in different workshops: - Involvement of maritime sectors in environmental management - MSP as a strategic framework for Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE). As detailed in the following chapters, these two "sub-topics" were identified from two broader topics, respectively: (1) MSP supporting the extension, improved management and improved connection of MPAs and OECMs in the Mediterranean, towards the targets set at the international and EU level on marine biodiversity protection; and (2) MSP as key enabler for the implementation of national SBE strategies and initiatives, through the adoption of an integrated approach and towards the balanced distribution of benefits.