Next Steps for Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme implementation in the Mediterranean
Introduction
The delivery of 2017 MED QSR is a unique MAP achievement based on joint and integrated efforts of the Contracting Parties, Secretariat, MAP Components and Partners.
The 2017 MED QSR is based on available existing studies, research publications, reports and expert inputs from Contracting Parties and other experts, including information related to national reports on the implementation of the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, implementation of the National Action Plans (NAPs), Coastal Area Management Programmes (CAMPs). Data from the MEDPOL database were used for the two assessments for EO5 (Eutrophication) and EO9 Common Indicator 17 Concentration of key harmful contaminants measured in the relevant matrix.
Implementation of the IMAP at national and where applicable sub-regional level
- Implementation of IMAP at national level needs to be strengthened through generation of specified data deriving from implementation of the updated integrated national monitoring and assessment programme.
- Contracting Parties need to improve their regular reporting to a fully-fledged and operational InfoMAP System of quality-assured and comparable national data in specified common formats, as a prerequisite for more complete future assessment products (2023 MED QSR).
- Contracting Parties need to ensure their experts have sufficient resource (especially time) and mandate to contribute to the preparation of the 2023 MED QSR, including assessment and interpretation of the data to produce regional and sub-regional assessments for the Common Indicators.
Towards the Fully Data-Based 2023 MED QSR: Filling the Data Gap
- Acknowledging findings, needs and gaps identified in 2017 MED QSR, the following directions are recommended:
General directions:
- Harmonize and standardize monitoring and assessment methods.
- Improve availability and ensure long time series of quality assured data to monitor the trends in the status of the marine environment.
- Improve availability of the synchronized datasets for marine environment state assessment, including use of data stored in other databases were some of the Mediterranean countries regularly contribute.
- Improve data accessibility with the view to improve knowledge on the Mediterranean marine environment and ensure that Info-MAP System is operational and continuously upgraded, to accommodate data submissions for all the IMAP Common Indicators.