The UfM Working Group on Environment and Climate Change met on 14&15 March 2017 to review the progress of the implementation of the UfM Ministerial Declaration on Environment and Climate Change adopted in May 2014 in Athens. The group discussed depollution and pollution prevention, including the H2020 initiative for a cleaner Mediterranean, sustainable consumption and production, and climate change, as well as marine protected areas, avifauna, eco-cities, integrated maritime policy/blue economy, education for sustainable development, and emerging initiatives of interest and potential integration in the regional agenda.

As co-chair of the H2020 Review and Monitoring group, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and UN environment Mediterranean Action Plan contributed to the assessment of progress in implementation of the Ministerial Declaration by providing an overview of progress in the operationalisation of the H2020 Review and Monitoring work, progress, outcomes and results achieved so far, and recommendations for reinforcing the action.    

The conclusions of the working group have been shared by the UfM Co-Presidencies and the UfM Secretariat with the UfM Senior Officials to respond to a request from the Ministers to be kept informed about the overall implementation of the 2014 UfM Ministerial Declaration on Environment and Climate Change. 

In close coordination with the countries, the UfM Co-Presidencies and the UfM Secretariat will also progress to the agreed next steps, including the preparatory actions aimed at moving towards the definition of the priorities, operational modalities and the work programme post-2020.

Meeting document available here; more information is available online