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16 | OCEAN GOVERNANCE

PANEL DISCUSSION 1 PANEL DISCUSSION 2

A SHARED AMBITION STRENGTHENING ACTIONS
TO MOVE TOWARDS TO ACHIEVE THE 30X30
A SUSTAINABLE BLUE OBJECTIVE IN THE
ECONOMY AND CLIMATE MEDITERRANEAN
RESILIENCE
The panellists focused on the need for wider im-
At the start of the panel discussion, Gloria Lá- plementation of marine spatial planning, which
zaro Climent outlined the latest data from the could significantly improve the effectiveness of
Plan Bleu, which indicates that the Mediter- protection measures in the sanctuary, with the
ranean basin is "considered to be a hot spot goal to protect 30% of Mediterranean waters by
for climate change" resulting from the high den- 2030. Carole Martinez, MedPAN's Policy Mana-
sity of human activity and global environmental ger, addressed the Roadmap for Marine Protec-
problems. The environmental balance is being ted Areas in the Mediterranean. Pelagos is also
disturbed, leading to increased risks for ceta- about leading by example. Representing the
ceans. How can the region's high economic National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago, which
value and biodiversity conservation be safe- is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Frances-
guarded? ca Gianini set out the sustainable socio-ecosys-
tem of the island of Capraia as a model: it com-
The panellists proposed courses of action that bines strict protection measures for the marine
featured collaboration and cooperation as a environment, focusing on the conservation and
common denominator. These two areas are study of marine mammals, with responsible arti-
essential for mitigating the effects of climate sanal fishing and other sustainable activities that
change and promoting a sustainable blue eco- benefit local communities.
nomy. Valentina Cappanera, from the Porto- IN
fino MPA (Italy), recognises the importance of Thomas Binet, who specialises in the ma-
cooperation between marine protected areas, nagement of natural marine resources at SIGHT
as well as active collaboration with those who BlueSeeds, gave an overview of the negotia-
use the natural area (fishermen, divers, etc.). tion process used to define zones with different
"Efficient data collection and minimising the im- levels of protection, considering the interests of “The identification of
pact of human activity on the area cannot be all stakeholders. critical cetacean habitats,
achieved without a network approach," says assessed by ACCOBAMS
David Gamba (Monegasque Federation of The discussions revolves around minimizing scientists, shows that
Sport Fishing and Sustainable Whale Watching apparent conflicts in the area and improving certain areas, or certain
Monaco), emphasising the role of participatory spatial management of issues involving the maritime corridors, will
science. coexistence of cetacean peace and military need to be avoided,
exercises, biodiversity and inshore or deep- particularly during specific
It's also a matter of slow, low-carbon tourism, sea fishing activities. The active support of lo- seasons. Perhaps there will
aligned with shared ethical codes, such as the cal communities, who are the co-creators of
High Quality Whale-Watching certification label conservation proposals, has been identified be international decisions
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developed by ACCOBAMS in collaboration with as one of the crucial factors for the Pelagos to this effect.”
the Pelagos Agreement for the quality manage- initiative, along with the gradual approach to Susana Salvador,
ment of cetacean-watching activities. achieving the 30x30 objective, the emphatize Executive Secretary
on communication between stakeholders in the of ACCOBAMS
The creation of joint research and monitoring area, and the sustainability of protection mea-
protocols, the establishment of a shared vision sures (particularly in the event of a change of
and the difficulties of governing cross-bor- administration or government).
der areas were then addressed by the focus
groups, along with the issues of reducing the The "Pelagos Charter", aimed at increasing the
impact on cetaceans from human activities responsibility of stakeholders, was cited as one
(particularly recreational activities) and plastic of the tools for improving the area.
pollution.