Assessing the progress in depolluting the Mediterranean Sea

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Marine Pollution
• Environmental Policy

Background:

• The Horizon 2020 Initiative (H2020) established a goal for Mediterranean Sea depollution by 2020.
• The first phase (2007-2013) addressed land-based pollution: municipal waste, urban wastewater, and industrial emissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the ENPI-SEIS project's process for H2020 roadmap implementation.
• To assess progress in depolluting the Mediterranean Sea through regular environmental reporting.
• To generate knowledge on major drivers impacting marine protection.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing the ENPI-SEIS project process aligned with Shared Environmental Information System (SEIS) principles.
• Utilizing a set of regional H2020 indicators for thematic assessment.
• Analyzing land-based pollution sources and their implications for marine ecosystems.

Main Results:

• The ENPI-SEIS project established a framework for environmental reporting in European Neighbourhood Policy South countries.
• Thematic assessment identified key drivers affecting Mediterranean marine protection.
• Progress in depollution was evaluated, highlighting areas needing further attention.

Conclusions:

• The ENPI-SEIS project successfully contributed to the H2020 goals by enhancing environmental information systems.
• Continued efforts are needed in specific areas identified by the assessment for the next H2020 phase (2014-2020).
• Effective implementation of SEIS principles is crucial for successful marine depollution strategies.