Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2010)30 - Conclusion of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean - Main contents
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This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2010)30 - Conclusion of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine ... |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2010)30  |
| date | 19-02-2010 |
2. In the EU, the main instrument promoting Integrated Coastal Zone Management is the European Parliament and Council Recommendation concerning the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe (2002/413/EC, OJ L148, 6.6.2002). Chapter V of the Recommendation stresses the importance of cooperation in regional seas to achieve better coordination and responses to cross-border coastal issues. The European Union promotes integrated management on a larger scale by means of horizontal instruments, including in the field of environmental protection, and by developing a sound science base for it, through its research programs. These activities therefore also contribute to integrated coastal zone management. Integrated Coastal Zone Management is one component of the EU Integrated Maritime Policy.
3. Negotiations towards a Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean (hereinafter the ICZM Protocol) were conducted in the context of the Barcelona Convention from 2006 and the resulting Protocol was adopted in Madrid on 21 January 2008 at the Conference of the Plenipotentiaries. The ICZM Protocol was approved on behalf of the European Community, subject to subsequent conclusion at a later date by the Council Decision of 4 December 2008 (2009/89/EC, OJ L34, 4.2.2009). The EU Member States which are Party to the Barcelona Convention have all signed the Protocol, except Cyprus. The Parties are now urged to ratify the Protocol so that it enters into force as soon as possible. Ratification and accession processes are underway.
4. The Mediterranean coastal zones continue to experience high pressures on the environment and degradation of coastal resources. Urban sprawl is intense in the Mediterranean, implying gradual loss of natural areas, biodiversity and increasing competition for water resources. Coastal erosion problems and flooding of low-lying coastlines are exacerbated by urban encroachment on the near shore area and floodplains i. Projected population growth concentrated in coastal urban areas, a near doubling of tourist flows and even greater transport growth are likely to aggravate the pressures. Nearly 50% of the coastline could be built up by 2025, increasing from 40% in 2000 i. Moreover the Mediterranean basin counts among the most vulnerable areas as regards the impacts of climate change i. The Protocol provides a framework to stimulate a more concerted and integrated approach which is required to address these problems more effectively and achieve a more sustainable development of the Mediterranean coastal zones.
5. The Protocol covers a broad range of provisions which will need to be implemented by different levels of administration, taking the subsidiarity and proportionality principles into account. While it is appropriate for the European Union to act in support of integrated coastal zone management, bearing in mind, inter alia , the cross-border nature of most environmental problems, the Member States and their relevant competent authorities will be responsible for the design and implementation of certain detailed measures laid down in the Protocol related to the coastal territory, such as the establishment of zones where construction is not allowed.
In view of the above, it is appropriate for the European Union to conclude the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean.