NEWS

2009-10-12Turkey hosts 2009 central celebration of the Coast Day

MAP and PAP/RAC jointly with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Municipality of Datca-Mugla, Mugla University and Underwater Research Society, Turkey, are organising the third annual celebration of the Coast Day in the Mediterranean. The central event will take place in Datca-Mugla (Culture Centre of the Municipality), Turkey, on 24 October 2009.

The event will include organisation of a technical panel for the experts and a series of awareness-raising activities for the general public. The panel, entitled "ICZM Protocol: for a better future of our coasts" aims to promote the ratification and implementation of the Mediterranean ICZM Protocol, as well as to present the achievements of Mediterranean countries in managing their coasts.

The ICZM Protocol panel includes different oral and poster presentations regarding the ICZM Protocol structure, objectives and implementation options; and the latest achievements and future activities relevant to Protocol ratification and implementation.

The second part of the celebration, which will be organised for the general public, will include a colloquy and other awareness-raising activities carried out for the Coast Day in Turkey, namely: coast and underwater cleaning; photo contest and painting contest; presentation of the "green and blue card system" of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (the card is used to control wastes of the ships and yachts electronically in Turkey); a public concert and alike.

In addition, it is expected that the representatives of Mediterranean countries present their organisations' documents, photos, posters and their Coast Day promotional materials. Since several academy members and representatives of governmental organisations from Turkey will attend the event, this might be a good opportunity to meet and search for a further co-operation.

It is envisaged that the event will be attended by the representatives of the Contracting Parties, as well as by a number of experts, representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations, academy members, famous writers and TV programmers from Turkey.

Working agenda

2009-10-102009 Coast Day in Sardinia

As every year, on October 24, an interesting "Coast Day" celebration will be organised in Sardinia. The main event will take place in Cagliari and last throughout Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 of October. Besides the high-level representatives of the Regional and Local Authorities, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and port authorities, university and research centre representatives, numerous NGOs and other associations dealing with coastal issues will participate to this celebration.

On this occasion, several ICZM initiatives will be presented and discussed, namely: the future CAMP Sardinia; comparing local level ICZM experience in Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Sardinia; ICZM Strategies for MPAs, etc. The official programme will be complemented with a cultural programme and coastal sports competition including the sailing regatta and a Round Race Sardinia. Also, a special programme is being prepared for children.

More information on Coast Day in Sardinia

2009-10-06A new «Ambassador for the Coast» !

Mr. Jérôme Bignon, member of the French Parliament and politician active in the field of coastal management, accepted PAP/RAC invitation to be the "Ambassador for the Coast". Mr. Bignon is a Vice-President of the Commission on Sustainable Development and Planning of the National Assembly, as well as a president of the Coastal Conservatory. In addition, he is also active in his role of the president of the club of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World.

By accepting this nomination, Mr. Bignon will help MAP and PAP/RAC in their endeavours to achieve sustainable development of the coast through encouraging co-operation, dialogue, tolerance and trust among all Mediterranean countries.

2009-09-30That's it!

One more good news about Protocol ratification! France joined Slovenia as the second country that ratified the ICZM Protocol! Namely, on 28 September, the French National Assembly adopted a bill allowing France to ratify the ICZM Protocol. We hope that the other Contracting Parties will join the team soon.

2009-09-25Slovenia ratified the ICZM Protocol!

On 25 September 2009, the Slovenian Parliament adopted the Law on Ratification of the ICZM Protocol for the Mediterranean. Slovenia is the first Contracting Party to the Barcelona Convention that has ratified this important international legal instrument. Congratulations!

We believe this act is going to be an impetus to other countries from the region to ratify the Protocol, as well. In fact, we have some good indications that there are some other countries in the pipe line to do so very soon. The ICZM Protocol will enter into force once six Contracting Parties have ratified it. We will keep you informed.

2009-09-14A TV broadcast on urbanisation of the Mediterranean coast

From 9 to 11 September, a team of the French TV channel "France 3" visited Split and its surroundings in the framework of the preparation of a TV report on urbanisation policies and preservation of the coastal part of Mediterranean European countries. Mr. Jerko Rosin, President of the National Spatial Planning Council, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction, has been interviewed about the policy concerned followed by Croatia, whereas Mr. Tihomir Marinkovic, Mayor, Municipality of Bol, the island of Brac, spoke about urbanisation issues of this Municipality and measures which could be taken at the local level to ensure a concerned coastal area development. The representatives of PAP/RAC used the opportunity to speak about the ICZM Protocol and the contribution this Protocol is going to make in the field of the coastal management in the Mediterranean.

A TV broadcast entitled "Avenue de l'Europe" will be on "France 3" on 10 October 2009 at 18:30 hours. After that, it will be possible to see it at the Internet during the week.

2008-11-13Coast Day Celebration in Turkey

The Coast Day celebration in Turkey was coordinated by the MoEF EIA and Planning General Directorate, which aslo has responsibilities on ICZM, physical planning, EIA and SEA procedures.

Aim of the general directorate is to use Coast Day activities as a merging, coordinating utility for all related national and local coastal institutions, municipalities, NGO’s and habitants. Ultimate aim is not only increasing awareness with celebrations, but also creating an added value, which is presented by increased communication, coordination of all related groups, a national ICZM strategy prepared with their contributions and national, establishment of local baseline data base for every coast, sea related activities.

With only two months of preparation and very limited amount of financial resource, Coast Day 08 was better celebrated than 2007. Next years aim is to celebrate the day in several places and occasions in summer time and present all these activities with a meeting in 24 October. We hope that all sea and coast related activities, seminars, conferences etc. will be held under the umbrella of Coast Day in fallowing years in Turkey.

All activities, documents and sample photos are also present at MoEF’s web site www.cevreorman.gov.tr

2008-11-07Short film contest “Visions of the Coast”, Sardinia

“Visions of the Coast” contest is an opportunity for photographers, directors and movie producers to take part in this unique event aiming to raise awareness on the value of the coast and the need to preserve it.

It is part a part of rich programme “Open Coasts” dedicated to the celebration of the Coast Day in Italy and in the Mediterranean.

Projections and exhibitions will draw attention to the fantasy of the participating artists. Best photographs will be used you for a calendar and will be exposed in many localities of the Sardinia region. With this initiative the Conservatoria, whose aim is to promote sustainable practices in coastal management, wants to entrust to the artists the task to put in prominence the beauty and the meaning one of these remarkable places.

For more information visit: www.sardegnaambiente.it/coste/

2008-11-052 week radio transmissions of the Coast Day Campaign by Radio Brac, Croatia

Owing to the huge interest of radio broadcasters world wide, radio transmissions of the Coast Day Campaign have been prolonged over the period of two weeks.

More than 700 digital connections and 2400 telegraphic connections were made with radio amateurs worldwide.

Specially designed QSL card will be sent to all those that have responded to the signal 9A0COAST.

Next year it is planned to design awards in support of the Coast Day.

2008-10-29Jordan organizes clean up event to celebrate the Coast Day

Land and Human to Advocate Progress ( LHAP ) organized the cleanup campaign in Jordan on Saturday, 25 October 2008. LHAP collaborated with Wadi ElHour Youth Center, 30 KM west of Amman in the direction to the Dead Sea.

The friends, staff and supporters of LHAP and young people of Youth Center first had a football game on the occasion, preceded by a speech by Mr. Zyad Alwaneh and the Head of the Youth Center to inform them about the concept of this event.

The cleanup campaign took place at the Dead Beach- Maeen Spa Water Spot outlet to the Dead Sea. This spot witnesses heavy local tourist who come to swim in this water for Health treatment reasons.

2008-10-28Croatia: UNDP in Croatia organises sailing race to celebrate the Coast Day

UNDP in Croatia joins the international initiative in celebrating the Coast Day, dedicated to healthy coastal regions and preservation of the coast across the Mediterranean. The initiative was launched in 2007 and this year, for the first time it will be celebrated in Croatia, in organization of the UNDP's COAST Project in cooperation with the NGO Split - Healthy City, under the high patronage of Ministry of environmental protection, physical planning and construction. The main event, sailing race entitled "Coast for all" will take place in Split, on Tuesday, October 28.

Sailing race is organized in order to send the message of the importance of the coast as social, economic and natural resource that should be actively and responsibly taken care of. Participants of the sailing race will be children from Split, persons with special needs, students and elderly persons. In line with principles of environmental and social sustainability, this implies active participation of all the citizens when it comes to decision making on sustainable future of our coast. Sailing team of the 49er class, that represented Croatia in this year's Olympic Games in Beijing, Pavle Kostov and Petar Cupać, as well as their coach Ivan Bulaja, will be appointed as Croatian Ambassadors for the Coast for the year 2008/2009. They were chosen as representatives of a sport that stands for environmental awareness, but also due to their altruistic fair play gesture and solidarity demonstrated during the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Responsible planning and managing of the costal area, that implies active participation of all the citizens is the only way that guarantees economic development in line with natural resources preservation and improvement. Celebration of the Coast Day, that aims to increase public awareness when it comes to importance of the coast as well as the threats that it is exposed to, further intercession of all the stakeholders is encouraged, in order to achieve sustainability of the coast for future generations.

2008-10-27Media coverage of the Coast Day seminar in Oujda

The Organisation " Solidarity and Co-operation of the East (ESCO)" celebrated with its partners the International Coast Day on 24 and 25 October 2008.

This event was highly covered by the media: it was broadcasted on the Moroccan 2M TV channel during the prime news on October 25 (http://www.2m.tv/video/).

In addition, the representatives of ESCO presented the program of the seminar within the framework of the Coast Day during a radio interview on RTM regional station on October 23, 2008.

Cape Radio, stationed in Tangier, advertised the seminar on several occasions, and finally, radio operator Assouat, was also interested in the event, and representatives of ESCO were interviewed by this radio channel.

The press on the Internet also gave importance to this event: oujdanews and oujdaportal launched a press release announcing the International Coast Day and the seminar in Oujda.

2008-10-27Great success of the Coast day celebration in Cyprus

Coast Day 2008 was a great success in Cyprus! More than 12 Mass media have been involved in the promotion of the event (newspapers, radios and TVs), the TV advert has been shown on TV two times a day since 14 October (TV Magic) and four times during 24th (Omega TV).

Radio interviews, articles in newspapers, beach cleanings, two mini workshops in schools with the participation of 300 children have been organised within the framework of the Coast Day by the AKTI Project and Research Centre (www.akti.org.cy).

All this was accompanied with media coverage from local and national TVs and radios, and has been reflected in the internet press and newsletters.

2008-10-27Sardinian “Open Coast” Programme

The Sardinian “Open Coast” Programme is a major campaign to raise awareness concerning the need to protect, promote and manage the sustainable development of one of the island’s major resources, its coastal areas. The campaign will aim to reach out and involve the wider public.

From October 25 to November 2, 2008, different venues along the Sardinian coastline will become a theatre for a large, diversified, coordinated and integrated programme of activities: scientific symposia, training and educational programmes, field visits, excursions, sporting activities (regattas, fishing tours, wind surfing, kite surfing, scuba diving), a film festival and concerts (www.sardegnacoste.eu).

In addition, a sailing expedition involving disabled children called "vela solidale" has also been organised within the framework of the Coast Day".

2008-10-24Call for Action to Celebrate the Coast Day in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) and the Priority Actions Programme Regional Activity Centre (PAP/RAC) have established the Mediterranean Coast Day, to be celebrated annually.

The event aims to promote the value of the coast and calls for an active engagement in its management. Its main objectives are to promote the ratification and implementation of the Mediterranean ICZM Protocol and to serve as a catalyst to raise the awareness of policy makers and the general public of the value of the Mediterranean coast, calling for their serious commitment to save it.

This year the Coast Day will be celebrated in the week of 24 - 31 October. We therefore invite all government and non-governmental organisations, as well as individuals to join the celebration of the Coast Day.

2008-10-24Happy Coast Day 2008!

The PAR/RAC Centre wishes a happy Coast Day to all organisations and institutions us celebrating the preservation of our coast and ensuring its sustainable future.

Despite growing concerns related to sustainable coastal management, this week we have the opportunity to prove that joined action and commitment to safeguard our coasts are greater than ever!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have joined this unique movement to help to preserve the coasts of the Mediterranean, and we wish you all happy Coast Day!

2008-10-23Croatian media promote the International Coast Day

Croatian radio channel "Radio Brac" started one week campaign to promote the Coast Day. In the first two days more than 1200 connections have been made with radio amateurs world wide.

For many of them this was the forst time they have heard of the Coast Day initiative.

The activities will be most intense on Friday, 24 October, which is the official International Coast Day.

2008-10-21Coast Day seminar in Saïdia, Morocco

Within the framework of the Coast Day celebration, one day seminar entitles: : “All together to safeguard the coasts of the Mediterranean” will be organised in Saïdia, Tunisia by the NGO Space of Solidarity and Co-operation of the East, with the support of partner organisations and the Chamber of Commerce.

The seminar will be devoted to the celebration of the beauty of the coasts: the coast as a hearth of half of the world population; as a destination for the majority of the tourists; as a source of inspiration, of creation and finally the coast as an important issue for famous “coastal lifestyle”.

Lastly, the Coast Day will be devoted to project the vision of the coasts of future as we want them to be.

2008-10-21Montenegro joins the celebration of the Coast Day 2008

The Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management and the Institute for Biology will launch a press-conference on the significance of the Coast Day on Friday, 24 October.

Educational materials and posters will be distributed in 20 schools from 24-30 October, and experts from the Institute of Biology will lecture on the significance of coastal management and marine life protection.

In addition, the Ministry of Tourism will organise a press conference during which the Coast Day initiative will be promoted.

2008-10-20Coast day celebration in Croatia

UNDP project COAST joins the Coast Day initiative, under the patronage of the Ministry of the Environment and in collaboration with the Priority Actions Programme/ Regional Activity Centre (PAPA/RAC) part of the Mediterranean Action Plan.

The core activity will be organised in Split, and will be marked by the organisation of a sailing competition Coast for all on 28 October 2008. On that occasion, the sailing team that participated in the Olympic games in Beijing, Mr. Pavle Kostov, Mr. Petar Cupać, and their coach Mr. Ivan Bulaja will be appointed ambassadors of the Coast 2008/2009.

Children, older people, and persons with special needs will also participate in the event by sharing their Visions of the coast. Finally, it will be the occasion to raise awareness on the values of the coast and to promote the implementation of the ICZM as the most efficient tool for its management.

2008-10-18Coast Day Event in Nador, Morocco

Mar Chica is the largest lagoon of the southern Mediterranean coast, which has been classified Ramsar site due to its important ecological and biological diversity.

This site which offers a unique landscape and generates more than 700 employment opportunities is currently exposed to serious threats because of uncontrolled solid waste discharges from the nearby cities (Nador, Segangan, Bni ansar, Selouane, Arekmane…).

Taking into account of all these elements and within the framework of the Coast Day 2008, FUED will organize a roundtable on the future of Mar Chica in Nador on October 21, 2008. Experts and representatives of NGOs will be invited to give their views on this subject.

2008-10-18Coast Day celebration in Greece

The Coast Day celebration in Greece will be promoted by the Fisheries Research Institute and by the Hellenic Network on Coastal Research. The activities will include: - publication of an article about the Coast Day at the newsletter of ENCORA/HENCORE and in the local media; - Broadcasting of the TV spot at the website of HENCORE (www.hencore.gr) and in local TV stations (East Macedonia & Thrace Region); - dissemination of an informational article about the COASTDAY initiative at local newspapers of Thessaloniki, Greece.

In addition, the Fisheries Research Institute will organize joint activities with the local Environmental Education Office of the Kavala Prefecture including the clean-up event in Kavala beaches with local schools and the dissemination of the Coast Day promotional materials.

2008-10-14Rectification of the dates for the celebration of the International Coast day in Morocco

Following the joint decision of the Foundation for the Protection of the Environment Mohammed VI, and the Regional Activity Centre – Priority Actions Programme (PAP/RAC) of the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan, the central celebration of the International Coast Day originally planned to be held in Tetouan, Morocco on 24 October 2008, will be re-scheduled for early 2009, due to the inability of some high level invitees and the Ambassadors of the Coast to attend the event.

The Coast Day event will be celebrated in in Morocco and several other countries of the Mediterranean region at the national level, and will focus on sustainable beach management, with the aim to promote the value of beaches as of the most important coastal ecosystems, that plays a key role in economic coastal tourism. In Algeria, for instance, Coast Day activities will include media launch, broadcasting in local radio channels, beach cleaning activities, photo contest, and fishing excursions. In Cyprus the mass media will support the event which will focus on sustainable beach management and will include a range of capacity-building and promotional activities. In Sardinia, Italy, a film festival entitled “Visions of Coasts” will further raise awareness on the need for a serious commitment to save the Mediterranean coast. The Coast day will also be celebrated in Croatia, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey and will include organization of seminars on the theme of sustainable beach management, photo exhibitions, concerts, sailing contests, excursions, TV transmissions and interviews with policy-makers.

2008-10-10Coast Day celebration in Turkey

A Coast Day panel will be organized in Foca on the 24th of October. Coastal municipalities, representatives of related institutions, NGO’s and residents of Foca will be invited to the panel. The focus of the panel will be to give point to the economic, ecologic and cultural importance of coastal areas and simple measures for public to protect them.

Another panel will be organized in Kusadasi in the first week of November. The name of the panel will be “Footsteps of Civilizations”. In addition, coast day materials will also be presented during the international conference in Gokova on coastal areas between 14-18 October.

Finally, a digital photo contest on coastal areas will be organized by the Underwater Research Society, and the painting contest among schoolchildren will also be organized on this occasion, and will be shown both during the panel and the reception of the Coast Day event.

2008-10-07The Coast Day Celebration in Tunisia

The Coast Day ceremony in Tunisia will take place at the youth centre of Marsa and will be organized by the Agency for the Protection of the Littoral (APAL) and the WWF.

The objectives of this incentive are to sensitize general public on the need to safeguard the coast and to contribute to “concretize” regular protection of our coastal inheritance by taking the Coast Day as a good initiative complementary to other initiatives related to sustainable coastal development.

The program will include documentary film projections, presentations on the theme of the valorization of beaches and the integrated management of the Coastal Zone in Tunisia, educational and environmental animations, and beach cleaning activities.

2008-10-01The Mass Media of Cyprus support Coast Day 2008!

AKTI Project and Research Centre (www.akti.org.cy) concluded a new cooperation with three more Mass Media for promoting Coast Day 2008 all over October: the weekly newspaper ADESMEVTOS (www.adesmevtos.net) will publish relevant articles prepared by AKTI every week. Radio Cosmos (www.radiocosmos.com.cy) will include in its everyday program radio-jingles, with short messages referring to beach and coastal zone management and the necessity for protecting our coasts for our future and reference to 24 October 2008: Coast Day.

Radio Cosmos will host an interview of a representative of AKTI the 23rd October. Magic TV of Pafos (magictv07@gmail.com.cy) will broadcast the Coast Day TV film, once every day during the week 20 – 24 October. The TV will present a talk show on Beach Management – Coast Day, the 24th October, hosting Ms Xenia Loizidou, Coastal Engineer. Radio ASTRA already presented a radio program on ICZM protocol on 24th September. More Mass Media are expected to support Coast Day 2008 in Cyprus and join the effort to make our coasts more sustainable.

The central event of 24th October will be a workshop with the title “Our coasts: what we can do for them”. It will take place at the International School of Pafos (http://www.isop-ed.org/index.html) under the coordination of AKTI and with the participation and coverage of Mass Media.

2008-09-25Celebration of the Coast Day in Algeria

The Coast Day event in Algeria will be celebrated in the national park of El Kala and will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with the support of local NGOs.

The programme will include media launch, press release in local newspapers, poster exhibition, braodcasting in local radio channels and a press conference when the new Ambassador of the Coast will be appointed.

Specific activities will include the action of beach cleaning, photo contest, beach volley contest, and fishing excursion.

2008-09-25Celebration of the Coast Day 2008 in Sardinia

The “Open Coast” programme in Sardinia will include sailing races, excursions, fishing tours, as well as the activities of wind surf, kite surf and scuba diving, with the aim to promote the diversity of sustainable coastal tourism.

In addition, educational programme on the theme of sustainable coastal development will be introduced in schools, and an expert meeting on the theme of sustainable beach management will also be held on this occasion.

Finally, short film contest with the theme “visions of the coast” will accompany the event.

Last but not least, the Coast Day event will also be an opportunity to enjoy the traditional Sardinian gastronomy.

2008-09-22Call for Action : sustainable beach management - let's do it together!

The PAP/ RAC Centre would like to invite all partner organisations and institutions involved in coastal management to join us in the action for the improvement of beach management in the Mediterranean.

Beaches are one of the most important coastal ecosystems. New Protocol on ICZM in the Mediterranean has recognised its importance and calls for protection of these valuable habitats.

However, beach attractiveness depends largely on the presence of litter, which has been identified as the most important deterrent to beach usage. Therefore, effective beach management implemented by responsible local authorities is the key for obtaining the high value of this natural resource.

In this framework, PAP/RAC is calling for a joint action to get an insight of the state of the cleanness of beaches in the Mediterranean.

Practical tools such as check-list, guidelines and fact sheet will be available for downloading on Coast Day website this week.

Representatives of organisations who have obtained best results will be invited and sponsored to participate to the central celebration of the Coast Day event in Morocco, hosted by HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa.

2008-09-19Celebration of the Coast Day in Cyprus

AKTI Project and Research Centre in Cyprus (www.akti.org.cy ) has finalised the program of activities for Coast Day 2008. The program will last for one month starting from 22 September 2008 to 24 October 2008. The activities are focused on promoting the engagement and active involvement of Mass Media in the effort to save our coasts and to promote the principles of sustainability. The one-month program includes several TV and radio programs dedicated to beach management, articles in newspapers and in e-newsletters, links in several websites and other dissemination activities.

The central event will take place the 24th of October. It will be a one-day workshop at a secondary school, under the title “Our Coasts: what we can do for them” under the coordination of AKTI with the participation of representatives of TV, radio, newspapers and the students of the school.

The launching events:

Monday 22 September 2008: radio interview of the Director of AKTI X.I. Loizidou at radio Cosmos during the morning program, to discuss on beach management and stakeholder involvement

Wednesday 24 September 2008: radio interview of the Director and the Secretary of AKTI at radio ASTRA on ICZM protocol.

Article in the September e-newsletter of the Network for a Sustainable Future

2008-09-11Celebration of the Coast Day 2008 in Morocco

"Foundation Mohamed VI for the Environmental Protection" and PAP/RAC finalised the program of the celebration ceremony that will be held on Coast Day on Fnideq beach, near the town of Tétouan, under the auspices of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Foundation and Ambassador of the Coast.

The aim of the celebration is to call for a more effective engagement of decision-makers and of all coastal stakeholders to save the coast. Celebration will also be the occasion to promote the implementation of a new Mediterranean Protocol on ICZM, signed in Madrid, in January 2008. To honour the engagement of the HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa and the Foundation, host of 2008 central Coast Day celebration, the topic of this year is beach management.

The event will consist of a technical workshop on the theme of sustainable beach management, followed by the official celebration ceremony.

Join the Coast Day 2008 and become a part of the coastal movement for the Mediterranean.

Together we can make the difference!

Contact: secretariat@coastday.org

2008-07-18New! Call for tender “Information and Communication campaign support in the ENPI countries and territories”

Dear Coast Day Partners,

We are pleased to inform you that a call for tender “Information and Communication campaign support in the European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument (ENPI) countries and territories” has been recently launched.

The tasks of the contractor are to assist the European Commission to prepare and implement information and communication campaigns in the ENPI countries and territories during the next 3 years.

This includes the provision of strategic, analytical and operation support to their communication activities, monitoring and analysis of EU media coverage in the region and the production and distribution of communication and information material, as well as launching of information campaigns.

The deadline for applications is August 15 2008.

For more information visit: EuroMed Info website

2008-06-20New: Launching of Coast Day 2008!

PAP/RAC and the Coast Day Partner "Foundation Mohamed VI for the Environmental Protection" are pleased to inform you that a central celebration of the Coast Day 2008 will be organized in Morocco, under the auspices of HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa, in her capacity as the appointed Ambassador for the Coast.

A long list of renown personalities and representatives of important foundations, institutions and organisations to be invited to this celebration is currently under preparation. Due to its success in 2007, we expect the media coverage to be even higher this year.

We therefore invite PAP/RAC partners and all organisations interested in joining Coast Day to contact us via e-mail at daria.povh@ppa.htnet.hr and at kmlikota@gmail.com. The Activity Plan that is under preparation will be presented to the powerful and well-known international media companies.

Join the Coast Day 2008 programme now and become a part of the coastal movement for the Mediterranean. Together we can make the difference!

2008-05-28The Autonomous Region of Sardinia and PAP/RAC contributing to the EU Maritime Day

On the third day of the Mediterranean Workshop on ICZM Policy, on 21 May 2008, PAP/RAC, in collaboration with the Autonomous Region of Sardinia and the Faculty of Architecture of Alghero organised a public event with the aim to raise awareness of the EU Maritime Day, the value of the coast and the necessity of ICZM for the sustainable coastal development. A number of 512 people in total participated at the event, including the students from six universities, representatives of three marine protected areas, as well as representatives of eight NGOs, three local authorities and two research centres. About 70 posters were exposed by different ICZM organisations from all over the Mediterranean. Different promotional materials were presented, including the films, a TV spot, transmissions and photos. Also, the models of different projects to rejuvenate the coastal villages were presented by the Faculty of Architecture of Alghero. Finally, in the afternoon, four workshops were held on the following topics: architecture and spatial planning of coastal zones; sustainable development of coastal zones; conservation and environmental management of coastal zones; and participatory processes and spatial governance. For more info visit the site of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia.

2008-05-26"Sardinia Charter" adopted

On 20 May 2008, the second day of the Mediterranean Workshop on ICZM Policy, a special session was organised dedicated to the Sardinian experience in ICZM. In the afternoon of the same day, the "Sardinia Charter" was discussed, jointly with Mr. Renato Soru, President of the Sardinian Region. The "Sardinia Charter" aiming to promote the local level ICZM network, was supported by the representatives of the NGO networks, like WWF, Medcities and EUCC. A press conference with participation of the representatives of the national TVs and newspapers, which was held in the evening, was dedicated to the first celebration of the EU Maritime Day and the adoption of the "Sardinia Charter". For more info visit the site of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia.

2008-05-25Renewed elan for ICZM

In the framework of the EU funded SMAP III project, PAP/RAC, in collaboration with the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Italy), organised a Mediterranean Workshop on ICZM Policy. The workshop was held in Alghero, Sardinia, on 19-21 May 2008. It was attended by 84 participants, including the high-level policy-makers from different Ministries of the SMAP eligible countries, NGO representatives and the representatives of the SMAP III ICZM projects, including the high-level representatives of the EU, UNEP, MAP and METAP. The PAP/RAC appointed Ambassadors for the Coast opened the workshop addressing the participants with the inspiring speeches describing their personal efforts, as well as endeavours of their countries and relevant organisations to achieve the sustainable coastal development. Mr. Mostafa K. Tolba, former UNEP Executive Director, described his 30 years of struggle within UNEP for saving the Regional Seas. He reminded the participants of the results of the ecological footprint studies and invited them all to consolidate efforts towards improving the ICZM policy in the Mediterranean. Mr. Cicito Morittu, Councillor of the Environmental Protection of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, presented, in the name of Mr. Renato Soru, President of the Sardinian Region, the Sardinian recent initiatives and their objectives. Mr. Lhoucine Tijani, Delegate of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa of Morocco, and President of the Foundation Mohamed VI for the Environmental Protection, presented endeavours of the Foundation led by the Princess to improve the coast in Morocco. During the first day of the workshop, presentations provided an insight into the latest coastal success stories and exposed their factors of success. For more info visit the site of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia.

2008-04-23Mediterranean Workshop on ICZM Policy

In the framework of the EU funded SMAP III project "Promoting Awareness and Enabling a Policy Framework for Environment and Development Integration in the Mediterranean with Focus on Integrated Coastal Zone Management", PAP/RAC, together with its partners (the BP/RAC and METAP of the World Bank), is organising in collaboration with the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Italy) a Mediterranean Workshop on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Policy to be held in Alghero, Sardinia, on 19-21 May 2008. The main objectives of the Workshop are the following: - to provide insight in the latest coastal success stories and to reveal their factors of success; - to agree on the necessary preconditions and to propose a set of most promising actions and tools for strengthening of the ICZM policy; - to agree on the needed actions to assist countries in adoption of the ICZM Protocol; and - to adopt the Sardinia Declaration in support of ICZM in the Mediterranean. The workshop is organised under the auspices of the PAP/RAC appointed Ambassadors for the Coast: * Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa of Morocco, * Mr. Renato Soru, President of the Sardinia Region, * Mr. Chérif Rahmani, Minister of Environment of Algeria, and * Mr. Mostafa K. Tolba, Former Executive Director of UNEP. Regional ICZM efforts have recently culminated when the Protocol on ICZM was signed by fourteen Mediterranean countries in Madrid, on 21 January 2008. All the parties are convinced that this Protocol is a crucial milestone in the history of the Mediterranean, and that it will allow the countries to better manage their coastal zones. Visit a Mediterranean workshop on ICZM Policy web site.

2008-01-25ICZM Protocol signed in Madrid!!!

At the Conference of the Plenipotentiaries on the ICZM Protocol that took place on 20-21 January 2008 in Madrid, the ICZM Protocol was signed. Under the presidency of the Minister of Environment of Spain, H.E. Ms. Cristina Narbona Ruiz, fourteen Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention signed the Protocol. These are the following: Algeria, Croatia, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Syria and Tunisia. All other Parties announced to do so in the very near future.

This is the 7th Protocol in the framework of the Barcelona Convention, and the decision to approve the draft text and recommendation to the Conference of the Plenipotentiaries to sign it was taken at the 15th Ordinary Meting of the Contracting Parties during their meeting in Almeria, on 15-18 January 2008. All the parties are convinced that this Protocol is a crucial milestone in the history of MAP. It will allow the countries to better manage their coastal zones, as well as to deal with the emerging coastal environmental challenges, such as the climate change.

The ICZM Protocol is a unique legal instrument in the entire international community and the Mediterranean countries are proud of this fact. They are willing to share these experiences with other coastal countries of the world. The signing of the Protocol came after six years of dedicated work of all the Parties. The work was intensified in the last biennium following the decision of the 14 th Contracting Parties meeting in Portoroz, in November 2005, to establish the governments' designated Working Group of Experts. Now, all the Parties are urged to ratify the Protocol so that it enters into force as soon as possible.

2007-11-26Coast Day at "MedCoast 07"

The representatives of PAP/RAC who attended the "MedCoast 07" Conference in Alexandria on 13-17 November, presented the SMAP regional project focused on ICZM and, especially, the events related to the "Coast Day" initiative. Suggestive pictures taken from the ICZM folder as a background for the presentation "coloured" all the conference, and the positive message on what ICZM is able to do for the future of our coasts was well received by all the participants. Many of them approached PAP/RAC representatives to support this new approach and to congratulate PAP/RAC for the quality of the material produced including the short video spot presented in English and Arabic. The last day of the conference, a 1-hour documentary made by the Italian chain Rai 3 on the occasion of the "Coast Week" organised in Sardinia attracted the attention of an important number of participants. Once again, it was confirmed that there was a huge need to mobilise all the available means to promote the coastal issues, and at all levels - from general public, to coastal practitioners and decision makers.

2007-11-08Coast Day TV advert at MedFilm Festival in Rome

Coast Day TV advert will be shown tomorrow on the occasion of the MedFilm festival in Rome.

Tomorrow's programme will be as follows:
DOCUMENTARIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT

19.30 ALL ON BOARD
Marble Empire, Folco Quilici, 2004, 58', ITALY
Meeting with Mr. Alessandro Giannì
About Greenpeace campaigns in the Mediterranean
Filming the impossible: Workshop of Mr. Emanuele Coppola

21.30 YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD IN 5 MINUTES
Projection of short films. Meeting with the representatives of the Città dell'Altra Economia and of the Centro Documentazione Conflitti Ambientali of Roma. Projection of the SMAP III and MAP Coast Day 2007 spot; about the Helvetas and the Palocco for Kyoto.

21.45 New images
In collaboration with the Cinemambiente, Environmental Film Festival 2007 Torino
Non c'è vento da perdere, F. Cabras, 2007, 6', ITA;
O, Pieter-Jan De Pue, 2006, 22', BELGIUM;
Mediterranean Is Over, Ethem Özgvüen, 2006, 8', TURKEY;
El Cerco, Ricardo Íscar, Nacho Martín, 2005, 12', SPAIN;
Sustainable tourism - last corners of paradise, WWF Mediterranean Project documentary

2007-11-07Official appointment of HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa the "Ambassador for the Coast"

On October 30, a "Clean Beach 2007" award ceremony took place at the local beach in Tanger. Trophies were awarded by HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Foundation Mohammed VI for the Protection of Environment. In the presence of members of the Moroccan government, representatives of international institutions and national associations dealing with the protection of environment, trophies have been awarded to seven Moroccan beaches, as well as to their public and private sponsors, who distinguished themselves in beach management respectful of environment and environmental education.

On this occasion, PAP/RAC Director officially appointed HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa the "Ambassador for the Coast". The title was conferred to HRH in recognition of Her engagement in favour of the protection of environment and Her support, which will give a major impetus to common efforts of MAP-UNEP and reparian countries in ensuring sustainable development of Mediterranean coastal areas.

After the official ceremony, HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa received PAP/RAC representatives and the UNDP resident representative in Morocco in a private audience in order to figure out with them actions to be taken in the years to come aiming to raise awareness of coastal issues. Next year, a central celebration of the "Coast Day" for the entire Mediterranean, organised under the patronage of HRH, could be the first concrete action in that sense.

2007-10-31First ever TV emission on coastal management!

On October 27, a TV emission, broadcasted on the Italian national TV Rai Tre, has been dedicated to the Coast Day. "Ambiente Italia" is a TV show broadcasted already 15 years every Saturday afternoon, and it is totally dedicated to environmental issues. Last Saturday, the emission was dedicated to the Coast Day and to the coastal management. The emission was made at Marina Piccola in Cagliari, during the sailing regatta to celebrate Coast Day. For 1 hour and a half, different coastal issues were presented and discussed in a fascinating and interesting way. Numerous guests, well selected, presented different aspects of the coasts and the coastal management in Italy, but also in Egypt and other parts of the Mediterranean. Mr. Ivica Trumbic, Director of PAP/RAC, presented the Coast Day initiative, as well as the new ICZM Protocol, while Ms. Tiny McKinney from SMAP III TA presented the EU initiatives in the southern Mediterranean countries. PAP/RAC and the entire Coast Day team would like to express their congratulations and acknowledgement to Mr. Beppe Rovera, as well as to the entire "Ambiente Italia" team who realised this great emission and in this way made Rai Tre an important Coast Day partner. Visit Ambiente Italia web site and watch the emission by choosing 27 ottobre 2007!

2007-10-31Coast Day in Palestine

The General Union of Non Governmental Environmental Organisations GUN-GEO has organised Coast Day in Palestine. The central workshop, which was held in Deir Al Balah (Middle Area of the Gaza Strip), was attended by 40 participants, including representatives of different sectors dealing with coastal zone in the Gaza Strip, representatives of the Municipalities, Ministry of Tourism, Local Governorate, Ministry of Agriculture, fishermen, as well as representatives of NGOs from the Gaza Strip. Mr. Ibrahim Al Mosader, Palestinian legislative member of the Environment and reporter of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee in the Palestinian Legislative Council, opened the workshop. Mr. Al Mosader thanked PAP/RAC and the GUN-GEO for having organised this important event in these very difficult times in the Gaza Strip. Media (local newspapers, TV, and radio) followed the event. A cleaning campaign in the coastal zone of the Gaza Strip, with more than 130 volunteers, was organised as well.

2007-10-29Echoes of the Coast Day: Congratulations by Mohsen Lihidheb - eco artist

Mr. Mohsen Lihidheb congratulated Coast Day organisers and all those who participated in cleaning the beaches and the sea.

Philosopher. Writer. Thinker. Poet. Environmentalist. Inspiring. Informative. All of these terms can be used to describe the artist Mohsen Lihidheb. For he is a magnificent artist, though he does not use paints and brushes, oils and pastels, nor clay and stone. Mohsen brings new meaning to the saying "One man's garbage is another man's treasure." Except in his case, the garbage and litter that can be found on the beaches of the Mediterranean in Tunisia are what Mohsen uses to create his artwork.

Since 15 years, he cleaned weekly 150 km of shores and recycled some of the trash into artistic configurations to enhance eco awareness. School boys supported the action and began their own initiative.

Mohsen currently holds the Guinness Book of World Records record for the largest collection of different objects (26820), has been mentioned in many newspaper articles, and has many visitors to his Sea Memories Museum every week.

2007-10-29Coast Day in Sardinia, Italy

The Coast Day events have been organised by the Regional Authority of Sardinia in collaboration with the International Marine Centre, and held at Manifattura Tabacchi in Cagliari, on October 26 and 27, 2007. “In the last time a lot has been said about coasts, discussing only about cubic meters of concrete. The moment has arrived to talk about the environmental, cultural, and social importance of coasts as fundamental element of our every day life”. This is part of the speech the President of Sardinia Region, and "Ambassador for the Coast", Mr. Renato Soru, has given during the Coast Day celebration in Sardinia. The two days in Cagliari have started with an important round table with the directors of the Sardinian Marine Protected Areas, which represent 20% of the total of Italian Marine Protected Areas. The Directors of Miramare and Cinqueterra Marine Protected Areas were present as well. From the discussion, a Manifesto of the Marine Protected Areas has been prepared. Many people have, at the end of the day, participated in the concert with Anouar Brahem, a Tunisian musician.

During the second day, in the morning, architects, scientists, and writers have discussed about coastal development, coastal protection, and coastal management, and the challenge of proposing a different model of development, a sustainable one. In the afternoon, the theme of the round table has been how the international co-operation can help in the implementation of such a shift, and how this is already happening in the Mediterranean area. Mr. Moustafa Fouda, Head of the Nature Conservation Sector of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEA) stressed the importance of co-operating with a country such as Italy. Mr. Giorgio Andrian from the UNESCO-ROSTE office in Venice talked about how the international organisations should help the single state in implementing protocols, and directives, which have already been signed. Ms. Tiny McKinney of SMAP TA has shown what the European Union is already doing with the SMAP projects around the Mediterranean. Mr. Ivica Trumbic, Director of PAP/RAC, presented to the general public the Protocol on ICZM. Mr. Cherif Rahmani, the Algerian Minister of Land-use Planning, Environment and Tourism, and the "Ambassador for the Coast", said that “Sardinia is an example for the Mediterranean, Sardinian tourism is perfectly integrated in the community, in the territory and in the economy, but at the same time, respecting the environment. At a political level Sardinia and Algeria are ready to co-operate for the future of the Mediterranean”. The press has followed all the events, a TV show has been entirely dedicated to the Coast Day, local and national journals have published a number of articles. Many people have participated and demonstrated a great interest in the initiative. Environmental education activities have been done with children, and a musical show has concluded the celebration of this first Sardinian Coast Day.

2007-10-26Coast Day in Larnaca, Cyprus

The Coast Day event was organised by the Environment Service acting as the National Focal Point for PAP/RAC, and held at the Makarios C’ elementary school, on October 24, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. It was very constructive and very informative to the students aged 9-11.

The event started with a welcoming speech by the Director of the school who mentioned the importance of that day. Then, the Mayor of Larnaca took the floor to welcome the event and specified the necessity of managing the coast in order to avoid negative effects like erosion. The NGO Cymepa stressed the importance of the Blue Flag programme (52 beaches were awarded BF in 2006) and the Eco-School Programme (280 schools joined the programme) that are being implemented under the auspices of this organisation. Ms. Joanna Constantinidou, presented, on behalf of the Environment Service, the reasons to celebrate the coast, the activities concentrated on the coast, the characteristics of the coast in Cyprus and the vision of the coast developed within the Coast Day initiative. The video prepared by PAP/RAC was also shown. The event was concluded with a presentation of Mr. Glafkos Constantinides, MAP-PAP/RAC CAMP Project Task Manager, who pointed out the objectives, activities, the study area and outcomes of the CAMP. Some of 140 students participating in the event commented some points of the presentations and made suggestions on how to reduce pollution on the coast. During that day, 3,000 copies of the flyer prepared by the Environment Service in the framework of the CAMP Cyprus were disseminated to the elementary and high schools that are under the Eco-School Programme. An announcement of the event appeared in the newspapers, and the event at the school was covered by two TV channels, a local and a national one.

2007-10-26Coast Day campaign in Nador, Morocco

After the Sunday's campaign on the streets of Nador, a workshop was organised in the premises of Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Nador. More than 60 persons attended the workshop, including representatives of the local authorities, Foreign service, Chamber of Agriculture, Chamber of Arts and Crafts, Chamber of Fishing at the North, National Fisheries Institute, representatives of the Province, and of the University Mohamed I, different associations, NGOs, and national and international press. Both events were followed by the interest of the citizens and of the policy makers, and issue of sustainable development was assessed as priority in this coastal zone. The events were filmed so that the contribution for the Coast Day movie from Morocco is secured. Final event is expected for Tuesday, October 30, when the official ceremony of appointing Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa the "Ambassador for the Coast" will take place.

2007-10-26Coast Day campaign in Kavala, Greece

On Wednesday, October 24, National Agricultural Research Foundation - Fisheries Research Institute carried out activities for the launch of the 1st Mediterranean Coast Day, in co-operation with the local Environmental Education Office of the Kavala Prefecture and the Municipality of Elefteres. During the day, more than 150 pupils from seven schools, one from Nea Peramos, Municipality of Elefteres, and six from Kavala, Municipality of Kavala, took part in a clean-up event, in the beach of Nea Irakleitsa, a beach which was awarded the Blue Flag this year. The pupils were then transferred to the Fisheries Research Institute, where the TV advert was shown to them and a discussion on the problems and the future of the coasts was done. Moreover, a movie on the fishing activities in the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace (produced by N.AG.RE.F. – F.R.I.) was also shown. Finally, the pupils were guided to the Aquaculture Department of the Institute.

Apart from the clean-up event there were three press releases (the first sent one week before, the second two days before and the third the same day) to the local media in order to promote the Coast Day and the event. Two interviews were given to equal number of radio stations (ERA, Radio Evdomi), while the Coast Day video was broadcasted by two TV stations: DELTA TV in Evros prefecture and TV PROINI in Kavala. Interviews and articles on the Coast Day were hosted in many local newspapers. Finally, a one-hour TV programme on the Coast Day and the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) with the participation of an FRI researcher, Dr. M. Koutrakis, was hosted by the local TV PROINI in the afternoon of October 24.

2007-10-26Coast Day in Sardinia

The activities for Coast Day in Sardinia are taking place around the island. From today, and till tomorrow night, the centre of the activities is Cagliari. Today representatives of the marine protected areas have debated in a round table, to raise the attention of the general public on the important issues related to coastal zone management. As a concrete result a 'Manifesto of Italian Marine Protected Areas' has been produced. It will be sent to the most important decision-makers on a regional, national, and international level.

2007-10-25Yesterday, the first-ever Coast Day has been widely celebrated across the Mediterranean!

Several workshops took place in Algeria, providing the general public with information on marine pollution, the importance of Posidonia oceanica, climate change, cultural importance of the sea and alike. Also, an exhibition on coastal issues was officially opened for the public. Croatia joined the initiative by widely distributing press releases and information published in a number of newspapers and transmitted by radio. In Cyprus, Coast Day partners and supporters organised site visits on the beaches all around Cyprus, and they distributed leaflets on ICZM. A special programme was realised by the Environment Service in the CAMP Cyprus area - in Larnaca. In Egypt, a clean-up event and a marathon were organised for children and youth, as well as a workshop on coastal problems, and an open-air concert for the general public. Clean-up events in Kavala and screening event in Plaka (Greece) were organised, followed by wide media coverage.

The Italian Marine Protected Areas organised open days in support of the Coast Day. The central celebration in Italy, will, however, take place in Sardinia, on Saturday, October 27, when numerous activities, such as sailing regatta, a jazz concert and workshops will be organised. On the SMAP RMSU web-site, a virtual treasure hunt for ICZM community took place. Coastal and underwater clean-ups are taking place in Israel, with the participation of schoolchildren, members of youth groups, NGOs, divers and volunteers from the general public. Events in Israel are organized in conjunction with "Clean Up the World Day", which was celebrated in Israel on October 22 and within the framework of the Clean Coast Project of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the Nature and Parks Authority. In Jordan 60 participants attended a national seminar organised under the patronage of HE the Minister of Water and Irrigation. Even though big events for the Coast Day celebration in Lebanon will take place on Saturday, October 27, seven Lebanese TVs already broadcasted the Coast Day TV spot. In Morocco, interesting activities were organised, such as presentations of the Coast Day, debates and workshops followed by an exiting kayak excursion organised in Nador Lagoon. However, the biggest event will be organised on Tuesday, October 30, when the official ceremony of appointing Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa the "Ambassador for the Coast" will take place.

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment in Montenegro joined the initiative by publishing a press release and organizing a press conference. They also opened a painting competition "The coast I want in the future", which will last to November 12. In the Gaza Strip, important guests attended a workshop on the importance of ICZM, including the representatives of tourism sector, the local government and others. This workshop was an introduction into a big clean-up campaign being organized today, October 25. A great number of events were taking place on the Syrian coast (Lattakia) where Environment Expo was organized and officially attended by high-level guests from the governorate of Lattakia and presidents of the University. Also, Mr. Malek Zein, Honorary Consul of Hungary, was officially appointed the national "Ambassador for the Coast". Opening of the Expo was followed by an open-air concert of musicians from the coastal area. Coast Day activities in Syria are continuing in the following days as well, when scientific lectures, a visit to the Coastal Expo, clean-up events and a great variety of media events are taking place. Turkey joined the Coast Day by organizing A Coast Day Panel in Foca. Even though many other activities were planned, they had to be postponed due to recent events on the Turkish border.

2007-10-24Fastest preparation of the Coast Day event in Montenegro!

Coast Day in Montenegro will be celebrated in the frame of the activities of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, which has prepared the press release and is planning to organise a press conference. Also, the Coast Day activities are conducted by the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management through the press release and the Painting competition - "The coast I want in the future" for 7 to 10 years old children. The competition will be organised in co-operation with the elementary schools from 6 Montenegrin coastal municipalities. This activity starts today - on the Coast Day, and will be concluded on November 12. The best paintings will be published by the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management.

2007-10-24Official celebration of the appointment of the Princess Lalla Hasnaa

On October 30, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the "Foundation Mohammed VI for the Protection of the Environment" of the Kingdom of Morocco, will be officially appointed the "Ambassador for the Coast". The ceremony of appointment will be held on the occasion of the "Yearly Award for the Cleanest Beach" organised by the "Foundation Mohammed VI for the Protection of the Environment". The top-level representatives, including the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Crafts, and the Minister of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment will attend the ceremony. The private sector will be represented by the President of the General Confederation of the Enterprises of Morocco. Mr. Ivica Trumbic, PAP/RAC Director will officially appoint Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa the "Ambassador for the Coast". The UNDP and EC representative will also attend the ceremony.

2007-10-24HAPPY COAST DAY!

Happy Coast Day ... to all of us celebrating the beauty of life on the coast and wishing the same for the generations to come. Threats are numerous, but the willingness for a change is what matters. So, let's build it and move towards sustainable coastal development - towards the coast that is resilient, productive, diverse, distinctive, attractive and healthy!

2007-10-24Coast Day in Andalusia

Andalusian Regional Ministry of Environment joined the celebration of the Coast Day by releasing a press note on their web site.
Visit Junta de Andalucia

2007-10-24Coast Day TV spot on Green.tv

Green.tv is a broadband TV channel for environmental films bringing together films from a range of environmental organisations and independent filmmakers. Green.tv is celebrating Coast Day by placing the Coast Day TV spot in prime time. Visit Green.tv

2007-10-24Enthusiasm for the Coast Day in Sardinia is growing!

The enthusiasm for the Coast Day in Sardinia is growing in the region, and across the country. More than 10,000 people are expected to participate in the events, more than 300 schools have required information and will take an active part in environmental education activities. More than 30 press agencies, news online, online newspapers, and magazines have written about Coast Day. The activities in the marine protected areas have already started, and will go on by Sunday. All the most important social actors involved in coastal management will participate in the events: scientists, decision-makers, policy-makers, environmental associations, journalists, architects, and representatives of international associations. Very soon, more news on Sardinian Coast Day on this web site.

2007-10-23Coast Day 2007 press release

Press release in English, French and Arabic for the "Coast Day" is available at the Coast Day web site. You may find it under the download section, at the top-right section of the home page. If needed, press release may be adapted to the countries' needs. Become a Coast Day supporter and disseminate this press release to celebrate the first-ever "Coast Day" in the Mediterranean!

2007-10-23Great success of the Lebanese Ministry of Environment!

Lebanese Ministry of Environment secured broadcasting of the Coast Day advert in 7 Lebanese TVs, namely: Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (LBC); National Broadcasting Network (NBN); Future Television (FTV); Tele Liban (TL); Tele Lumiere; Al Manar; and New Television (NTV). In this way, the Lebanese TVs joined TVs of other Mediterranean countries in broadcasting the Coast Day advert.

2007-10-23One more TV to broadcast Coast Day advert in Greece

A local TV channel - TV Thessaloniki decided to join the Coast Day campaign by broadcasting the Coast Day TV spot. At present, 6 TVs in Greece are broadcasting the Coast Day TV advert.

2007-10-23Coast Day TV advert on 3 TV channels in Syria

Since October 22nd, the General Organization of Radio and TV in Syria is broadcasting the Coast Day TV advert on its three channels: Syrian Satellite channel; Syrian channel 1; and Syrian channel 2.

2007-10-23Ready the Italian version of Coast Day TV advert!

The Regional Authority of Sardinia secured broadcasting of the Italian version of the Coast Day advert in two local TVs, Videolina and Sardegna1. The Italian version will be also broadcasted by ECO TV.

2007-10-22A press conference on Coast Day event in Sardinia on October 19!

On October the 19th a press conferece has been organised in Cagliari to present Coast Day celebration in Sardinia. Journalists from local TVs, and local newspapers have participated and have demonstrated great interests for the event.

2007-10-22An interview on Coast Day tomorrow on a national Greek TV!

Tomorrow, from 9.45 am a 15 minutes live interview about the COAST DAY celebrations from representatives of HENCORE will be broadcasted on ERT3, a public national TV channel in Greece. The interview will be accompanied by broadcasting the TV spot.

2007-10-22A day of awareness campaign in Nador!

On October 21 people from Coast Day partner FUED have organised a day of awareness campaign with citizens from Nador. Leaflets on coastal issues have been distributed, and all the people have demonstrated great interests and commitment for building all together a sustainable development for our coasts!

2007-10-22Screening event in Athens for the Coast Day

In Athens a screening event is to take place on October 24 at Elliniki Etairia, Tripodon 28, Plaka. The screening, which is co-hosted by UNEP-MAP, MedWet Secretariat, the French Institute in Athens and Elliniki Etairia, begins at 7pm and lasts approximately three hours. It is free to the public and all are welcome! Here is the detailed programme of the documentaries to be screened
(Note that all the films are in French with Greek subtitles)

1.Power and water from antiquity to the Mid-Ages (50mns)
The distribution of water has been used as a power tool since ancient times. The film explores how cities and empires were built-on the basis of their proximity to water and wars were fought over its control.

2.From the Gulf to Kurdistan the tears of Mesopotamia (60mns)
Following the course of the rivers Tigris and Eufrates the film is a journey into the history of the lands that the rivers pass through.

3.The Mediterranean, a sea of Men (26mns)
Climate change, the superexploitation of energy resources, the fast urbanization and industrialization of the Mediterranean are unbalancing the area’s ecosystem. The documentary looks into alternatives of what can be done to change this alarming reality.

4.Rhodes and the islands without water (12mns)
Water shortage is a common problem in many of the Greek islands. The film shows every day life in addressing the issue and makes the point that things will o­nly get worse unless measures are taken.

5.The water diviner of the sea (26mns)
Fishermen in the ports around Provence in France have a precious secret: the existence of a freshwater spring whose water reaches the sea. The documentary focuses o­n how at a time of serious water shortages worldwide the knowledge of how to best utilize such resources becomes imperative.
For more details please contact Elinda Labropoulou at the Information Office of the MedWet Secretariat at 210-8089270, elida@medwet.org

2007-10-21Cyprus Environmental Service celebrates Coast Day in Larnaca

The national team of the Coastal Area Management Programme (CAMP) for Cyprus prepares a celebration of the Coast Day in the pilot area of the project. The activities will focus on the education sector in Larnaca. During the Coast Day, a flyer prepared by the Environmental Service will be circulated to eleven elementary schools that are under the Eco-School Programme. Also, welcoming speeches from the Mayor of Larnaca and NGO Cymepa, which is the Manager of the Eco-School Programme, as well as a presentation from the Environmental Officer of the Environmental Service, will be given during that day at the Makarios C’ elementary school at 9:30 a.m.

2007-10-19Liguria Region and the BEACHMED-e project support Coast Day

Liguria Region is particularly involved in the activities of coastal planning and management. Therefore, Liguria decided to support the Coast Day event. On October 12th, Mr. Carlo Ruggeri, the Councillor in charge for the territorial planning, presented to the press Coast Day and the International Conference on BEACHMED –e, which will be held on October 26th. BEACHMED-e is a project funded by the EU, aiming to develop and improve the knowledge about the protection of the coast against erosion and to control the coast vulnerability.

2007-10-18Brock initiative, led by Mr. Richard Brock, offered to make a Coast Day movie!

Mr. Richard Brock worked in the BBC Natural History Unit for 35 years producing, among others, the highly successful Life on Earth and Living Planet series. Today, he is trying to address the real current state of the environment with his own independent production company Living Planet Productions. Mr. Brock, currently working on the project of 4 Mediterranean islands became involved into coastal issues and these led him to PAP/RAC and to Coast Day. Because of his offer, PAP/RAC invites all Coast Day partners to secure filming of the Coast Day. Even plain digital camera with mini DVDs, preferably with the PAL system may be sufficient. What can better promote Coast Day for its future growth than the good movie about it!

2007-10-18An entire week of celebration for Coast Day in Sardinia!

The Regional Authority of the Sardinia Region, in collaboration with the International Marine Centre of Oristano, has planned a unique event to celebrate Coast Day! A team composed of more than 20 people organising the event will give an opportunity to the people of Sardinia to celebrate their coasts.

The event will last for a week, from 21st to 27th October. Four Marine Protected Areas (Penisola del Sinis – Isola di Mal di Ventre, Capo Caccia – Isola Piana, Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo, and Capo Carbonara) and two National Parks (Arcipelago della Maddalena, and Parco Asinara) will be the main actors in the first days of the event. Excursions and courses of wind surf, kite surf and scuba diving will be organised. Environmental education activities will be done together with schools and local people. On 26th and 27th October, the central celebration will be organised in Cagliari, at the Manifattura Tabacchi - an old industrial site renovated by the Regional Authority to be transformed into a cultural centre. During these two days, the site will be a place where opinions will be exchanged and issues discussed related to the coast. An exhibition with a video projection and posters will present the activities implemented in the Marine Protected Areas, as well as the activities of research institutes working jointly on Coastal Zone Management. A debate on the challenges of Marine Protected Areas will close the first day. On the second day, three round tables with researchers, writers, journalists and representatives of international organisations will be organised with a focus on the Mediterranean, its protection and the future vision. The National TV - Rai Tre will make a special broadcast - a live TV show, lasting from 2 to 4 PM.

The entire event will be a zero impact one. All the materials used will be in a Mater-Bi®, a bioplastic completely biodegradable in different environments, for example, in composting and in the soil, and the CO2 emissions will be offset. For more information on the event, please, visit the International Marine Centre of Oristano.

2007-10-17Coast Day TV advert at the MedFilm Festival

The Coast Day TV advert will be presented at the MedFilm Festival that will be held in Rome, from 8th to 18th November. This is the 13th edition of the festival founded in 1995 and based on the principles of the Barcelona Declaration. The third chapter of the Barcelona Declaration identifies intercultural dialogue as one of the main tools to encourage peace and development amongst nations in the Euro-Mediterranean area, but above all, it recognises the key role that audio-visual media plays in promoting knowledge and understanding among nations and, above all, among young people. This year, more than 1.000 films have been submitted.

2007-10-16Eco TV offered partnership to Coast Day!

Eco TV, Italian satellite TV, available on the Sky channel 906, "Hot bird 6" satellite, 11013 frequency, and in on-line streaming on the http://www.ecotv.it offered to broadcast the Coast Day TV advert. Eco TV can be watched in all European countries, as well as in the countries of the southern Mediterranean rim. Eco TV has been founded with the aim to promote topics such as ecology, civil rights, solidarity and social justice.

2007-10-16Marine Protected Area - Open door for the Coast Day

Marine Protected Area peninsula Sinis-Isola of Mal di Ventre, has chosen the see, waves, wind and its coasts for raising awareness of the value of the coast. This will be done through the nautic and sportive activities that are using the elements and the strengths of the nature. Some of the activities are: the day of Windsurf, Kitesurf, Surf, Mountain bike, Buggy, Land yachting, wind and waves, beautiful quartz sand beaches of Is Arutas and Porto Suedda, and white cliffs of Su Tingiosu. A meeting of all passionate professionals and amateurs will be organised in order to have fun and exchange the gifts of the sea: wind and waves.

2007-10-15Coast Day in France

Tour du Valat /, French research centre for the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands, joins Coast Day on the topic of ICZM as a tool for biodiversity conservation. The events, which are going to be organized in Camargue, will focus on conservation of Eels and the role of Mediterranean lagoons for their conservation, as well as on the general ICZM issues in France and in the Mediterranean. The Coast Day celebration will be organised with support of the Technical transfer unit for Mediterranean lagoons and with participation of several NGOs.

2007-10-12BBC NEWS: Gore and IPCC win Nobel prize

Climate change campaigner Al Gore and the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have been jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mr Gore, 59, was vice-president under Bill Clinton and has since devoted his efforts to environmental campaigning.
The UN's IPCC, comprising 3,000 leading climate scientists, is the world's top authority on global warming.
The Nobel committee said it wanted to help the world focus on the threat it faced from climate change. Announcing the winners, the chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Ole Danbolt Mjoes, said they had been chosen "for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change".
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2007-10-11Excellent news from Greece

Greek Coast Day partners did an excellent job in securing 4 TV companies to broadcast the Coast Day TV advert! One national - SKAI TV, and 3 local TVs - Delta TV in Alexandroupoli, Center TV and Proini TV in Kavala, will broadcast the Greek version of the Coast Day TV advert. Several activities are planned in Kavala and in Athens for the Coast Day. Visit us soon to find out more news from Greece.

2007-10-08Ready the programme for Coast Day in Algeria

The Coast Day partner , the Association "Les amis du Mont Chénoua" have prepared the programme for Coast Day celebration in Algeria. A series of five conferences will be organized on different themes, from marine pollution to coastal zone protection. At the cultural and sport centre of Tipasa there will be an exhibition with educational material developed by local NGOs and schools.

2007-10-05A Coast Day Panel in Izmir, Turkey

On October 5th, a Coast Day Panel will be held in the premises of the Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology (IMST) of Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey. This University is the only one to have Coastal Zone Management education programme in Turkey. The national Focal Point - The Ministry of Environment and Forestry jointly with IMST supported organisation of the Panel. The aim is to call for the development of a national strategy to give an impetus to the ICZM approach and to determine the ways of a better co-ordination between institutions. The expected output of the Coast Day Panel is a "COAST DAY STATEMENT", which will be announced through the media. By providing support to implementation of this activity, the IMST has become a Coast Day partner.

2007-10-04A powerful TV advert has been produced to promote sustainable coastal development

Through the eyes of a child, the advert takes us on a journey to a coastal future in which we have failed to tackle the worst problems of pollution, development and climate change. But the message is one of hope as we are brought back to a vision of the sustainable coast we want and can achieve. The 60-second advert will be ready for broadcast in English, French, Arabic and Italian, but it will be possible to obtain it in more languages. The filming has been done on the highest quality HD camera while the format is DIgi Beta. The advert ends by announcing "Coast Day" - a key event of the awareness raising campaign on the value and state of the coasts, which is going to be held on October 24th. A preview of the advert can be viewed at:

http://www.largeblue.com/extranet/ICZM/english_v2.mp4 http://www.largeblue.com/extranet/ICZM/french_v2.mp4 http://www.largeblue.com/extranet/ICZM/arabic_v5.mp4

The advert is ready for broadcast. For more information, please, contact Ms. D. Povh, PAP/RAC, on +385 21 340478, or at daria.povh@ppa.htnet.hr
WE ARE INVITING YOU TO BECOME A COAST DAY PARTNER BY HELPING US TO SHOW THIS ADVERT ON SOME TV STATION!

2007-09-30The SMAP III project - AMIS joins Coast Day celelebration

The partners of SMAP III project AMIS (Algerian coast Management through Integration and Sustainability) have decided to join in Coast Day celebration. The foreseen activities are distribution of leaflets, and the placing of posters in Alger and along Algerian beaches.

2007-09-30Ready the programme of Coast Day in Egypt

The Coast Day partner Friends of Environment Association have preparred to programme for Coast Day. The first activity will be a scientific workshop on coastal zone issues and recommendation, this will be followed by a concert with artists from Alexandria.

2007-09-21Her Royal Highness the Princes Lalla Hasnaa - Ambassador for the Coast

Her Royal Highness the Princes Lalla Hasnaa, President of the "Fondation Mohammed VI pour la Protection de l’Environnement" of the Kingdom of Morocco, has kindly accepted to be the "Ambassador for the Coast" within a PAP/RAC initiative to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable coastal zone management. By accepting this nomination, HRH Princes Lalla Hasnaa will join the endeavours to provide future generations with the natural, social, cultural and economic welfare they deserve.

2007-09-21More supporters for Coast Day in Greece

The enthusiasm for Coast Day is growing in Greece. Three more supporting organisation have decided to join the Coast Day celebrations: the Fisheries Research Institute, the Hellenic Network on Coastal Research, and MedWet

2007-09-21Turkish Ambassador for the Coast : Hakan Öge

Hakan Öge is assigned as the Ambassador for the Coast in Turkey. He is a dentist but his passion for nature has convinced him to become a nature photographer. He finished a three-years of world expedition by a sailing-boat in July 2007. He is nowadays being prepared to an expedition to the poles

2007-09-21Ready the programme for Coast Day in Syria

The Syrian NGO Syrian Coastal Society for Environment Protection has prepared the programme for Coast Day. The activities include an environmental forum, a beach cleaning event, TV interviews, a workshop with researchers, NGOs and decision-makers, and an environmental education programme with university and high school students.

2007-09-19Ready the programme for Coast Day in Cyprus

The Cyprot NGO AKTI has prepared the programme for Coast Day. The activities will last from 5th to 24th October. The activities will include workshop on ICZM in Pervolia, involving schools and local people, and communication activities in the Peristerona village. Several articles will be published on local newspaper and magazines, and radio programmes will be also organised.

2007-09-19Ready the programme for Coast Day in Sardinia

La Région de Sardaigne in collaboration with the International Marine Centre has preparred the programme for Coast Day. The activities will last from 21st to 27th of October. The system of Sardinian Marine Protected Areas will have opne days for students, and for the public. On the 27th there will be a workshop with international scientists and practitioners involved in the promotion of ICZM. A concert with artists from Sardinia and from the Mediterranean will close Coast Day celebration.

2007-08-28The Lebanese University of Balamand joins Coast Day celebration

The University of Balamand will join in the celebration of Coast Day. The University of Balamand is the leading partner of SMAP III IMAC (Integrated Management of East Mediterranean Country), carried on with the International Marine Centre of Oristano (Italy), DIPE (Greece), and Adelphi research (Germany). Very soon more detailed information on this web site

2007-08-27Coast Day in Kariat Arekmane

In the context of the celebration of the Coast Day, FUED in collaboration with the association for culture and development ‘Segangan’ and the ‘Ihanjaren n zghanghane team’, have organised a day of awareness on coastal issues and a beach cleaning event for a hundred of children in vacation on Kariat Arekmane beach. On the first day a hundred of children from 10 to 16 years old, have participated in the event with drawings, animation, and contests. In the afternoon the children themselves have talked to the tourists on beach of Kariat Arekmane about the threats the coasts are exposed to. To see the pictures visit FUED website

2007-08-13A great event in Boudinar

The workshop on coastal zone protection, and the awareness campaign in Boudinar, as foreseen, has been a great event. Local decision-makers, social actors, and the local population have participated in the event with great enthusiasm. To see the pictures, visit FUED web site

2007-08-10A workshop on coastal zone protection in Boudinar on August 11

Within the activities of Coast Day, the Moroccan partner FUED will organise a workshop on coastal zone protection in Boudinar. During the same day there will also be dissemination of information on Coast Day with tourists, locals, and fishermen, and a beach cleaning event. The programme can be found on FUED web site

2007-08-03Coast Day will be also celebrated in Greece!

The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) decided to join us in the celebration of the Coast Day. HCMR is the leading partner of MEDPONDS, a LIFE project aiming at the protection and preservation of Mediterranean temporary ponds in Crete, by providing management solutions that can efficiently overcome the dominant habitat's threats in a long-term basis. For further information visit the website of HCMR http://www.hcmr.gr and the website of the project http://www.life-kriti.gr

2007-08-03Everything is ready for the TV spot !

The main actor and the beach for the TV spot have been selected. The filming will start on the second week of August in a Tunisian beach. Very soon more detailed information on this web site.

2007-07-27New at the site!

New at the site - visit the "Activities" web page and find out what are our NGO partners and Ministries around Mediterranean planning for the Coast Day.

2007-07-23Sardinia Region joins to celebrate the Coast Day

The Regional Authority of Sardinia Region decided to join to the celebration of the Coast Day around its coastline. Planned activities include dissemination of information, environmental education activities, workshops on ICZM, and exhibition, involving the coastal municipalities and the marine protected areas. Very soon more detailed information on this web site.

2007-07-12Mr. Soru - The saviour of Sardinia

The British newspaper "The Independent" published a long article on Sardinia Region policy committed to protect the coastline. ‘As more and more of the Mediterranean is essentially destroyed by resort tourism, the message is bound to spread. Mr Soru's new role as "Ambassador for the Coasts" in the UN's Environment Programme gives him the chance to spread the word’. To read the entire article visit "The Independent" web site: http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2742788.ece

2007-07-10Mr. Chérif Rahmani - Ambassador for the Coast

Mr. Chérif Rahmani, the Algerian Minister of Land-use Planning, Environment and Tourism, accepted to be the "Ambassador for the Coast" in a MAP initiative to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable coastal zone management. By accepting this nomination, Minister Rahmani will help PAP/RAC to promote this aim given his efforts in the field of integrated coastal zone management, such as promulgation of the Algerian coastal law, creation of the national coastal commission, launching of the coastal cadastre, formulation of regional programmes for coastal valorisation and protection, delimitation, etc. Sharing his rich experience with other countries in the Mediterranean region, he will only encourage them to follow the Algerian example in the domain of ICZM.

2007-07-09Live Earth

Live Earth was a 24-hour, 7-continent series of concerts which took place on 7/7/07 that brought together more than 100 music artists. The event was put together by the Alliance for Climate Protection, The Climate Group and other international organisations to encourage individuals, corporations and governments to take action to prevent climate change. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore is the Chair of the Alliance and Partner of Live Earth. Live Earth took place at Giants Stadium in New York; Wembley Stadium in London; Aussie Stadium in Sydney; Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro; Maropeng at the Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg; Makuhari Messe in Tokyo; the Steps of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai; and HSH Nordbank Arena in Hamburg. More information about the campaign is available at liveearth.org. You can also have your say about climate change on the BBC News website. Source: bbc.co.uk

2007-07-06Coast Day is spreading to Cyprus!

Cypriot NGO AKTI joined the celebration of the Coast Day and became a Coast Day partner! AKTI is a partner to the Network for a sustainable future . Common thematic activity of this network is Sustainable Coastal Development. AKTI is planning several awareness raising activities in Cyprus that will be implemented within the Coast Day framework.

2007-07-06Coast Day at Nador

On July 4th, within the Coast Day campaign, FUED, the Moroccan Coast Day partner, organised an excursion to the lagoon of Marchica. The excursion was organised in collaboration with the Nautica Méditéraneo nautic sports club (jet ski, kayak, sailing,...).
For more information, visit FUED web site.

2007-07-05Coast day in Seganagan

The Moroccan Coast Day partner FUED (Forum d’Urbanisme d’Environnement et de Développement) has celebrated in Senagan at the school S.A. Abdelssalam the fourth edition of the environmental days from May 28 to June 5 2007. ‘Our coast, our future’ has been the theme of this celebration.
During the environment days, the pupils of the school have participated in the production of artistic works on environment and the protection of the coast, environmental education activities on environmental protection and ICZM, as well as night with music, poetry, and theatre. For more information visit the websites
FUED
Nador

2007-06-14TV spot preparation started!

PAP/RAC received the final approval from Brussels, Athens and Nairobi to start TV spot preparation. TV spot will promote the value of the coast and need for its management. Although it was not planned at the beginning, the development of the project directed PAP/RAC to marketing waters. TV advert production was assessed as one of potentially most effective awareness raising actions in the region. Until now, PAP received 11 proposals from three selected media agencies (Lowe Digitel - Zagreb, MOSTRA - Brussels and Largeblue - London). In a tough competition one of the Largeblue proposals was singled out. If you are curious about to find out how the shootings are proceeding, visit our web pages....

Lowe Digitel
Mostra
Largeblue

2007-06-13Poster, flyer, sticker & bookmark are available now!

Coast day marketing products - a poster, flyer, sticker and a bookmark in English, French and Arabic are ready and available to download. At the page "What to do" you will find the pdf form of the products available. At the top right section of the home page there is an icon to download these items in the tif format - suitable for printing. If you would like to have the samples, please, feel free to contact us. If you are an NGO involved in coastal management or in environmental protection, and if you have a wish to join us in Coast Day celebration, please, let us know and we will add your institution to the list of partners. As a partner, you will have an opportunity to add your logo to some of these products. In case your organisation is from the business or governmental sector, and if you want to join us, please, contact us to determine the details of your involvement.

2007-05-24Appointing Mr. R. Soru Ambassador for the Coast

Representatives of PAP/RAC of UNEP/MAP will be visiting Cagliari, Sardinia, to appoint Mr. Soru, President of Sardinia Region, Ambassador for the Coast. With the recent initiatives in the domain of coastal management, Sardinia Region provided a good example to follow also in other parts of the Mediterranean. In addition, Sardinia Region is the first European region that decided to join the celebration of the Coast Day. PAP/RAC hopes that this initiative, launched in the framework of the SMAP III project funded by EU, will also spread into other coastal countries and live on in the years to come. Rising awareness of the value of the coast, as the key objective of the Coast Day, is a critical step for the creation and enhancement of the political will, which is expected to yield necessary changes towards sustainable coastal development.

2007-05-17SMAP III Workshop in Morocco

PAP/RAC presented the progress done by the Centre within the SMAP III MAP/METAP project at the 2nd regional ICZM workshop held in Cairo, Egypt, on 10-12 February. Besides focusing on administrative and contractual issues, the objectives of the workshop were to up date on the progress and difficulties faced by all ICZM projects, consolidate regional networking and cross-fertilisation process as well as capacity building. In addition to planned activities, PAP/RAC presented its new initiative within the Awareness Raising Campaign - Coast Day. Eight action plan projects, as well as SMAP III TA and the SMAP RMSU were invited to join this initiative and to synchronise awareness raising activities in order to maximise synergy in promoting the importance of the coastal areas. It was also stressed that sending simple key messages simultaneously from all involved countries could strongly enhance visibility of this important EC investment into ICZM.

2007-04-04Mr. Soru - The Ambassador for the Coast

Mr. Renato Soru, President of Sardinia region, joined PAP/RAC in the Awareness Raising Campaign organised in the framework of the Coast Day. Through the appointment of Mr. Soru the Ambassador for the Coast, PAP/RAC wants to support Sardinia's recent initiatives in the field of coastal zone planning and management, in particular the "Piano Paesaggistico Regionale", the "Conservatoria delle Coste" and the "Piano Regionale di Sviluppo Turistico Sostenibile". Sardinia Region decided to participate in the Coast Day campaign through raising awareness of coastal protection and management of the local stakeholders and in particular of the primary and secondary schools pupils. Read more on Sardinia experience on PAP/RAC web site on Coast Day soon...

2007-04-03Prof. Matvejevic - The Ambassador for the Coast

Prof. Predrag Matvejevic, the author of the famous "Mediterranean Breviary", was the first to accept PAP/RAC's invitation to be the Ambassador for the Coast in a major initiative of MAP to secure the sustainable development of the Mediterranean coast. In his role of the Ambassador for the Coast, prof. Matvejevic will help PAP/RAC to promote this goal. In the "Mediterranean Breviary", a book of lyric essays translated into 20 languages, prof. Matvejevic reveals to the reader the magical Mediterranean - the Mediterranean we want to preserve. The excerpts from the "Mediterranean Breviary" will be available at PAP/RAC web site on Coast Day soon...

2007-03-20The Ambassadors for the Coast

In order to effectively raise awareness of the importance of the coast, as well as of the ICZM as the optimal policy framework for achieving sustainable development of coastal areas, an Awareness Raising Campaign (ARC), including the Coast Day event, will be organised in ten Mediterranean countries within the SMAP III project. In each of the project countries, an NGO has been selected with the main objective to implement the ARC and to organise the Coast Day event. NGOs initiated activities in all of the countries of the projecIn the framework of the Coast Day, i.e. the Awareness Raising Campaign within the MAP/METAP SMAP III project, PAP has decided to appoint distinguished persons to be the Ambassadors for the Coast. Three persons, who we believe are uniquely and eminently qualified to invite policy makers of all the countries to collaborate on raising awareness of the value of the coast, have been invited to be the Ambassadors for the Coast. Their role would include participating at the central celebration of the Coast Day in September 2007, and supporting our efforts in raising awareness of the value of the coast and its sustainable development through interviews, messages and alike, which will be presented at the PAP web site. The names will be revealed soon.

2007-02-05Growing enthusiasm for the Coast Day

In order to effectively raise awareness of the importance of the coast, as well as of the ICZM as the optimal policy framework for achieving sustainable development of coastal areas, an Awareness Raising Campaign (ARC), including the Coast Day event, will be organised in ten Mediterranean countries within the SMAP III project. In each of the project countries, an NGO has been selected with the main objective to implement the ARC and to organise the Coast Day event. NGOs initiated activities in all of the countries of the project.

An interesting example is the Palestinian Authority selected NGO: "The General Union of the Non-Governmental Organisations (GUN-GEO)", based in Gaza, which is a network of 13 NGOs in Palestine. Due to their great enthusiasm for raising awareness of the coastal zone management, information on SMAP III project, PAP/RAC and GUN-GEO partnership, as well as information on ICZM have been broadly published in some of the most important national and local media. Information has been launched on the most distributed electronic news web site in Palestine called Palmedia, as well as through WAFA (Palestine News Agency) and in the local Newspaper Al Hayat Al Jadedah. In addition to SMAP III countries, the interest for the Coast Day has been received from other countries as well. Therefore, it is hoped that the Coast Day initiative will grow on beyond this project.