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THE BLUE ECONOMY AND FINANCE | 51

THE GEF
PROJECT
IN

FIGURES

Is the Mediterranean region a unique space
for this kind of project?
The GEF is very proud to work in the Mediterranean. ■ 20 existing MPAs and new MPAs currently being
Just think: the Mediterranean covers less than 1% created will be supported by 2026, covering 612,600 ha
of the world’s ocean surface, but has 10% of its in 6 Mediterranean countries.
biodiversity! Whilst certain economic sectors are ■ 85% of non-European Mediterranean MPAs supported
interested in biodiversity, for politicians, it’s the eco-
nomy that matters. If we can make the link between ■ 5 years of support
economic growth, job creation, ecosystems and
ecosystem services, we might have an opportunity ■ $5 million in financial support from the GEF
to change our relationship with the Mediterranean. ■ $39 million in co-financing (in kind and grants)
We must not lose sight of what this set of resources
means for each country in the area. For our gene-
ration and future generations, the Mediterranean
must remain, with all the services that its ecosys-
tems provide: biodiversity, food resources, climate
regulation, protection against storms, carbon se-
questration - not forgetting that it is the world’s lea- “We all know that the Mediterranean is a region with
ding tourism destination! That is why we must pro- an eventful history, which is still affected by numerous
tect and encourage this system’s resilience. I hope conflicts. But there are many people working to protect
that my children and grandchildren will be able to nature beyond borders, who take care of the sea, who
see this Mediterranean, alive and well. As we are want to reach agreements and work together, and
part of it, and we cannot lose our cultural identity... who consider the Mediterranean not as what separates
them, but what brings them together. Other than
its environmental aspect, our project should be an
opportunity to bring together all countries around this
shared sea, and to build a space for peace.”

PURI CANALS, Chair of MedPAN