Sustainable Development Strategy for the Adriatic

3. Mr. Paul Mifsud, Coordinator of the UNEP/MAP, addressed the meeting. He noted that in Portoroz the MSSD was adopted last November. The major challenge lies in implementation of the strategy. The strategy outlines the main needs and objectives. It works at all, but especially the national, level. It is up to countries to set up their own activities at their own pace. Each country has the primary responsibility for its own SD. MAP’s job is to assist countries to develop their strategies. Egypt, Morocco, S&M and Syria are developing their national strategies with financial support from donor countries. Regional and sub-regional initiatives are also important. 1996 meeting set up the Mediterranean Commission for Sustainable Development. Subregional processes such as Adriatic Initiative are welcome, and Slovenia should be commended. Slovenia is expected to play a major role in the application of the ecosystem approach. The Adriatic will be a good test case for this. EEA and UNEP/MAP have done a survey. MSSD can facilitate implementation of Horizon 2020, launched November at EU Summit in Barcelona. Partners agreed to develop a roadmap for de-polluting the Mediterranean by 2020. The EC is preparing it for endorsement in Cairo in November. EC and Euromed should take advantage of reputation and capacities of MAP. They should work together. Slovenia’s leadership is recognized and MAP will ensure support of southern Med countries. 4. Mr. Bricelj presented the reasons for a sub-regional approach in the Adriatic. He outlined the threats to the Adriatic and provided scientific evidence. The mouth of the Po River is especially sensitive. Indicators are serious and urge us to change our behavior. Family of Adriatic countries proposed Contingency Plan, CAMP