Position Paper: Climate Change in Coastal Zones of the Mediterranean, Mediterranean Action Plan

PAP/RAC plays a critical role in coordination and support of ICZM, which encompasses climate change adaptation. In recognition of this, climate change adaptation has become an important new mandate1 of the PAP/RAC and has recently been adopted into its proposed five-year Programme of Work of UNEP/MAP. The key tool for implementation of adaptation initiatives within the Mediterranean Region under the UNEP/MAP structure will be ICZM Protocol. In this context, the challenge that now faces MAP and in particular the PAP/RAC is the building of adaptive capacity throughout the region within the existing framework of this Protocol to allow effective mainstreaming at a range of temporal and spatial scales.
Before detailed planning in this regard can be undertaken, it is necessary to gain an understanding of the range of climate change impacts to which the region is subject and the policies and strategies and projects and programmes employed to address these impacts at a range of temporal and spatial scales. Additionally, a consideration of climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessment practice at a global scale will provide MAP with an overview of ‘best practice’ to inform future initiatives. In this context, the current Position Paper is built on a review of the current status of, and experience in, climate change adaptation initiatives both regionally and globally to provide a set of recommendations for PAP/RAC. These recommendations are intended to build on lessons learned to provide important support for future climate change adaptation initiatives in the Mediterranean region.