[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.34)” background_image=”https:\/\/coastday.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Artboard-2-copy-2-copia-2.png” background_enable_video_mp4=”off” custom_margin=”||-16px|||” custom_padding=”||69px||false|false” bottom_divider_style=”wave” bottom_divider_color=”#0B4597″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/coastday.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LOGO-COAST-DAY-bianco-scaled.png” alt=”LOGO COAST DAY” title_text=”LOGO-COAST-DAY-bianco” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”195px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ next_background_color=”#0B4597″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#1892D1″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#0b4597 3%|#1892d1 100%” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||100px||false|false” bottom_divider_style=”wave” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600||on|||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”28px” text_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”19px|0px|19px|0px|true|true” custom_padding=”10px|4px|10px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Inspiring impact: how PAP\/RAC is driving a better future for our shared coast <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Titillium Web||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”17px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_font=”Titillium Web||||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||40px|||” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Managing the Mediterranean coastal space is an enormous challenge: it\u2019s one of the best-loved, most strategically important, but also one of the most ecologically threatened zones in the world.<\/p>\n With a third of our region\u2019s population living around its shores \u2013 some 150 million people, with over 400 million international tourists travelling to the region every summer (source: WTO) \u2013 the Mediterranean supports countless livelihoods through key sectors like tourism, shipping, fisheries, aquaculture and agriculture.<\/p>\n But the Mediterranean coast faces a range of environmental challenges that increasingly threaten its future. Rapid urbanization and mass tourism are straining fragile ecosystems, while pollution, unsustainable resource exploitation and habitat loss threaten marine biodiversity. Climate change is intensifying these pressures, disrupting natural systems and increasing risks for coastal communities.<\/p>\n These interconnected issues demand coordinated, long-term solutions to ensure the health and resilience of coastal ecosystems and the millions of people who depend on them \u2013 and that\u2019s where PAP\/RAC<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>comes in.<\/p>\n The Priority Actions Programme\/Regional Activity Centre (PAP\/RAC) is based in Split, Croatia. It was established in 1977 as part of the United Nations Environment Programme\u2019s Mediterranean Action Plan<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span>, in order to respond to specific priorities jointly identified by Mediterranean countries in managing their coastal zones. PAP\/RAC works through a network of formally appointed National Focal Points, ensuring close coordination and alignment with country-specific priorities and regional commitments. Its work and these priorities have evolved ever since, but the ultimate goal of the institution remains the same: the creation of a healthier Mediterranean through sustainable development.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/coastday.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Photo-1_1980s-meeting.jpg” alt=”PAP\/RAC National Focal Points meeting, 1980s” title_text=”PAP\/RAC National Focal Points meeting, 1980s” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”off|100px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n PAP\/RAC National Focal Points meeting, 1980s<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/coastday.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Photo-2_HC_1996-2.png” alt=”PAP\/RAC National Focal Points meeting, 1980s” title_text=”Photo 2_HC_1996″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”92%” border_radii=”off|||100px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_line_height=”1.2em” custom_padding=”|59px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong>Official signing of the Host Country Agreement between UNEP\/MAP and the Republic of Croatia in Split, 1996<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”PAP\/RAC: putting policy into practice” open=”on” open_toggle_text_color=”#0B4597″ open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.87)” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.87)” icon_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”30px” open_icon_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” open_toggle_icon=”O||divi||400″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”30px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#0B4597″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”18px” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_font_size=”18px” body_text_color=”#0B4597″ body_font_size=”17px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.76)” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true” border_radii=”on|50px|50px|50px|50px” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As a regional hub for expertise and coordination, PAP\/RAC supports the implementation of the ICZM Protocol by providing countries with concrete governance tools \u2013 including coastal strategies, plans, programmes, and a range of guiding documents \u2013 to translate policy into practice. It mobilizes expert networks and engages a wide range of stakeholders to implement on-the-ground projects and develop coastal strategies, plans, and programmes across the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n It also contributes to monitoring and assessing the status and trends of the Mediterranean coastal and marine environment \u2013 with particular attention to hydrographic alterations, coastal ecosystems, and landscapes \u2013 helping countries adopt an ecosystem-based approach and implement measures to achieve and maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) of coastal zones.<\/p>\n Above all, PAP\/RAC plays a vital role in strengthening regional capacities through training sessions, workshops, consultations, and conferences. It fosters communities of practice that promote peer learning, knowledge exchange, and collaborative solutions to shared coastal challenges.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/coastday.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Photo-3_CAMP-Otranto-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Photo 3_CAMP Otranto” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” border_radii=”off|150px||50px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_line_height=”1.3em” custom_padding=”|53px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Final Conference of CAMP Otranto \u2013 \u201cTransboundary Horizons\u201d held in Tirana, Albania, in 2023, marking the first transboundary CAMP project since the Programme\u2019s launch in 1989<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Titillium Web||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”17px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_font=”Titillium Web||||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||40px|||” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Today, on the back of nearly 50 years of experience, PAP\/RAC has become a leading institution in the fields of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) and marine spatial planning (MSP) \u2013 two concepts that hardly existed in this part of the world when it launched the first ever Coastal Area Management Programme (CAMP) in Ka\u0161tela Bay, Croatia, in 1989. Since then, PAP\/RAC has successfully coordinated a total of 21 CAMP projects around the Mediterranean. Bringing together stakeholders from all levels of government, civil society, academia, financial institutions and the public, these are key tools in its mission to revolutionize regional coastal planning and bring ICZM and MSP into the mainstream.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Together, ICZM and MSP offer a lifeline towards a resilient future for our shared Mediterranean coast ” open=”on” open_toggle_text_color=”#0B4597″ open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.87)” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.87)” icon_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”30px” open_icon_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” open_toggle_icon=”O||divi||400″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”30px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#0B4597″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”18px” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_font_size=”18px” body_text_color=”#0B4597″ body_font_size=”17px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.76)” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true” border_radii=”on|50px|50px|50px|50px” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n ICZM is a comprehensive approach to planning and governance that recognizes the coast as a dynamic, interconnected space. It breaks down silos, linking land and sea, science and policy, institutions and communities into one big whole. ICZM actively incorporates climate change considerations, integrating both adaptation and mitigation efforts in balance with ecological, social and economic priorities for the coastal zones.<\/p>\n Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a strategic process that determines where and when human activities occur in marine areas to support balanced economic development and environmental protection. In the Mediterranean, it is essential for managing competing uses of limited marine space, safeguarding ecosystem health, and strengthening cooperation among countries sharing one sea.<\/p>\n MSP complements ICZM by applying an ecosystem approach to ensure the sustainable and equitable use of marine space, supporting coordinated planning across all uses and throughout the entire marine environment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Titillium Web||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”17px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_font=”Titillium Web||||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”|-50px|40px|||” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n PAP\/RAC\u2019s first generation of CAMPs were instrumental in its work preparing the ICZM Protocol to the Barcelona Convention<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span> As PAP\/RAC\u2019s director Daria Povh \u0160kugor explains, this was \u201cthe first regional legal instrument in this part of the world dedicated to sustainable coastal management. From proposal to first draft it took seven years of meetings, consultations, expert focus groups and more. There was a huge amount of groundwork to do in getting all the countries together to negotiate a text that everyone could agree on.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/coastday.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Photo-4_Signing-of-ICZM-Protocol-2008-Madrid-scaled.jpg” alt=”PAP\/RAC National Focal Points meeting, 1980s” title_text=”Photo 4_Signing of ICZM Protocol 2008 Madrid” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”off|100px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Historic signing of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Madrid, 2008<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/coastday.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Photo-5_ICZM-Protocol.png” alt=”PAP\/RAC National Focal Points meeting, 1980s” title_text=”Photo 5_ICZM Protocol” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”64%” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_line_height=”1.2em” custom_padding=”|131px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cIntegrated coastal zone management\u201d means a dynamic process for the sustainable management and use of coastal zones, taking into account at the same time the fragility of coastal ecosystems and landscapes, the diversity of activities and uses, their interactions, the maritime orientation of certain activities and uses and their impact on both the marine and land parts.\u201d (Article 2.)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”18px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Titillium Web||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”17px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_font=”Titillium Web||||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||40px|||” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The ICZM Protocol provides the legal framework for the integrated management of the Mediterranean coastal zone. It entered into force in 2011. Since then, PAP\/RAC has worked with countries to design their own coastal strategies, plans and programmes aligned with the Protocol\u2019s principles, not least through MedOpen<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, its flagship virtual training course on ICZM.<\/p>\n \u201cWe understand planning as a discipline, and its importance to long-term management \u2013 and we want to make it easier for governments and others to do it,\u201d explains Daria. \u201cWe offer guidance, experience and support. We help local actors think long-term and make sustainability practical. The solutions must be adapted to each context, but the knowledge and tools we bring to the table can be shared.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/coastday.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Photo-6_Damascus-Mar2011-Syria-ratifies-ICZM-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Photo 6_Damascus Mar2011-Syria ratifies ICZM” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” border_radii=”off||150px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_line_height=”1.3em” custom_padding=”|53px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The ICZM Protocol entered into force following Syria\u2019s ratification in 2011<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/coastday.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Photo-7_medopen-e1753963616467.png” alt=”PAP\/RAC National Focal Points meeting, 1980s” title_text=”Photo 7_medopen” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||18px|0px||” custom_padding=”|63px||||” border_radii=”off|100px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n MedOpen training course participants in Algeria<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/coastday.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Photo-8_Malta-wetland-restoration-scaled.jpg” alt=”PAP\/RAC National Focal Points meeting, 1980s” title_text=”Photo 8_Malta wetland restoration” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||||” border_radii=”off|||100px|” global_colors_info=”{}” max_height__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”26px|||||” custom_padding=”|59px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong>On-the-ground action by PAP\/RAC: wetland restoration in Malta, 2022<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”18px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Titillium Web||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”17px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_font=”Titillium Web||||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”4px|-50px|40px|||” custom_padding=”|67px|2px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cCollaboration is at the core of what we do,\u201d Daria continues. \u201cThe challenges are shared, so the responses must be, too.\u201d PAP\/RAC\u2019s recent launch of a groundbreaking online \u2018MSP Workspace<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u2019 for regional planners is a case in point.<\/p>\n