The network of scientists
The Mediterranean Experts on Climate and environmental Change (MedECC) is an open and independent network of scientists dedicated to climate and environmental change in the Mediterranean Basin. Established in 2015, MedECC brings together experts across various disciplines to provide decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public with the most reliable scientific knowledge on climate and environmental changes including associated risks and social aspects. Our assessments aim to contribtute to shape evidence-based policies and support informed mitigation and adaptation actions. Its functioning is inspired by the principles and process of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
MedECC scientists contribute to MedECC reports, all in an individual capacity and without financial compensation. They are located in 35 countries, including 19 registered as Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention) and 23 members of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).
Science-policy interface
Appropriate interactions between MedECC and decision-makers and stakeholders are developed, through a relevant science-policy interface built mainly on a close collaboration with Plan Bleu – Regional Activity Center of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). Through these institutions, MedECC benefits from the support of various governmental agencies, ministries, and mediterranean partners. The MedECC governing entities are the co-Coordinators, the Steering Committee, and the Advisory Board. Since 2018, Plan Bleu has hosted the Scientific Secretariat of MedECC in the frame of a partnership with the UfM.
Key publications
The First Mediterranean Assessment Report (MAR1), published in November 2020, presents the current situation and the future risks related to the impacts of environmental changes in the Mediterranean Basin. This landmark report was developed through an immense collaboration involving 190 scientists from 25 countries, all contributing on a voluntary basis.
To ensure accessibility, the Summary for Policymakers (SPM), which highlights key findings from MAR1, is available in its English original form and eight traductions: Arabic, Catalan, French, German, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Turkish.
Additionally, MedECC released a serie of infographics summarising the major risks and impacts of environmental change in the Mediterranean region. This visual resource is currently available in French, English, and Turkish.
Political recognition and distinctions
During the 2nd UfM Ministerial Conference on Environment and Climate Action held in October 2021 in Cairo (Egypt), the 42 ministers recognised, in their declaration, the Summary for Policymakers (SPM) of MAR1 as an important contribution of the scientific community to future climate and environmental actions in the Mediterranean region.
During the 22nd meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention COP22 held in December 2021 in Antalya (Türkiye), the Summary for Policymakers (SPM) of MAR1 was endorsed by the Contracting Parties.
MedECC received on December 9, 2021 in Lisbon the North-South Prize 2020 of the Council of Europe for “its efforts to address climate change and biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean and in particular by drafting the first-ever scientific assessment on climate and environmental changes impacts in the Mediterranean Basin”.s