Barcelona Convention

The Barcelona Convention (The Convention for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution) of 16 February 1976, amended on 10 June 1995, and the Protocols drawn up in line with this Convention aim to protect and improve the marine and coastal environment in the Mediterranean, whilst promoting regional and national plans contributing to sustainable development. The 22 Contracting Parties will individually or jointly take all appropriate measures to protect and improve the Mediterranean marine environment in order to contribute to sustainable development. In order to meet this objective, the Parties undertake to reduce, combat and, as far as possible, eliminate pollution in this area.

Amendments

   the extension of the Convention's geographical field of application to the coast;
   the application of the precautionary principle;
   the application of the "polluter pays" principle;
   the promotion of impact assessments;
   the protection and preservation of biological diversity;
   combating pollution from cross-border movements of dangerous waste;
   access to information and public participation.

Aims

   assessing and controlling pollution;
   carrying out the sustainable management of natural marine and coastal resources;
   integrating the environment into economic and soci al development;
   protecting the marine environment and coastal regions through action aimed at preventing and reducing pollution and, as far as possible, eliminating it, whether it is due to activities on land or at sea;
   protecting natural and cultural heritage;
   strengthening solidarity between countries bordering the Mediterranean; and
   contributing to improving quality of life.

Commitments

 introduce a system of cooperation and information to reduce or eliminate pollution resulting from a critical situation in the Mediterranean;
   establish a continuous pollution monitoring system;
   cooperate in the fields of science and technology;
   work out appropriate procedures for the determination of liability and compensation for damage resulting from pollution deriving from violations of the provisions of the Convention;
   draft procedures enabling them to monitor application of the Convention.

The Convention lays down mechanisms for the settlement of disputes and for arbitration to settle any disputes between the Parties on the interpretation or application of the Convention.