On the occasion of the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, IUCN in the framework of the BeMed+ initiative is organising an online event to discuss the emerging threat of plastic pollution and explore solutions.
Plastic pollution threatens Mediterranean biodiversity, economies, and communities. Advancing the global treaty on plastics requires science-driven policies, regional cooperation, and biodiversity-centered solutions. This session will explore how governments, NGOs, and businesses can co-develop evidence-based policies and local actions, accelerating SDG 14 while ensuring a resilient, plastic-free future for people and nature.
Agenda of the session:
Welcome & Opening remarks (5 min)
Brief introduction to the session and its objectives. - Mercedes Muñoz Cañas (IUCN Med)
The significance of the Global Plastics Treaty and its impact on the Mediterranean region. - Karine Siegwart (IUCN Centre for Policy and Law)
A. Expert panel: Knowledge & Evidence-based Policies (30 min)
Format: Moderated discussion with 3-4 key panellists.
- Legal frameworks and governance mechanisms for tackling plastic pollution. - Lynn Sorrentino (IUCN Centre for Policy and Law)
- Advocacy, citizen-science, and policy recommendations for reducing marine litter. Antidia Citores (Surfrider Foundation Europe)
- How to transform science and knowledge on plastics into action at the local level: a case study from Tunisia. - Wassim Chaabane (RESWEEP)
Key topics:
Latest scientific insights on plastic pollution in the Mediterranean.
Effective national and regional policies: Lessons from legal frameworks and governance structures.
The role of science in shaping regulations: How data-driven approaches inform policy decisions.
Bridging policy and action: Challenges and opportunities in translating science into legislation.
B. Different perspectives on Mediterranean Actions (20 min)
Club BeMed: The role of businesses and private sector initiatives in reducing plastic pollution. - Lucile Courtial (Beyond Plastic Med)
BeMed Community of Practice: Strengthening collaboration among local actors and sharing best practices. - Anastasia Charitou (ISEA)
BeMed + Project: On-the-ground solutions and pilot initiatives tackling plastic pollution. - Fjoaralba Begeja (INCA)
Discussion focus:
How each approach contributes to systemic change.
Challenges and opportunities in bridging policy and local action.
Interactive Q&A (5 min)
Audience engagement: Questions for panellists via chat or live interaction.
Closing & Key Takeaways (5 min)
Summary of key insights and action points.
Final remarks on how to move from knowledge to action.