Monaco was elected vice-president of the Mediterranean Action Plan Bureau at a major environmental conference in Cairo this month, reflecting growing diplomatic influence in regional marine protection efforts.
The unanimous vote came during the 24th Conference of Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention on protecting the Mediterranean Sea and coastal zone, held from 2nd to 5th December under the UN Environment Programme. Monaco’s delegation was led by Tidiani Couma, Head of Division at the Department of External Relations and Cooperation.
The election recognises Monaco’s sustained engagement in Mediterranean marine and coastal protection, as well as its diplomatic role promoting regional cooperation and environmental multilateralism. The Barcelona Convention brings together Mediterranean countries to coordinate pollution prevention and protection measures.
Symbolic timing
The Cairo conference, themed ‘Blue Growth in the Mediterranean: Towards a Resilient and Sustainable Future’, coincided with several milestones. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan, the Barcelona Convention’s executive body, and the 30th anniversary of the convention in its current form. The gathering also took place as the BBNJ Agreement on high seas biodiversity prepares to enter force.
Monaco brought a substantial delegation including representatives from the Prince Albert II Foundation and MedFund, alongside organisations headquartered in the Principality such as the ACCOBAMS Agreement and Pelagos Sanctuary secretariats. The presence of multiple Monaco-based entities underscored the Principality’s position as a hub for Mediterranean environmental governance.
Priorities aligned with Monaco’s agenda
The conference agenda aligned closely with Monaco’s maritime priorities, covering marine biodiversity, pollution control including plastics, marine protected areas, marine scientific research, the Mediterranean’s economic and social value, human activity and climate change impacts, and civil society’s role.
Monaco’s delegation noted these issues have been championed by Prince Albert II for years, reaffirming the Principality’s sustained commitment to Mediterranean Sea protection. The Prince has made ocean conservation a central pillar of Monaco’s international environmental diplomacy.
The vice-presidency gives Monaco increased influence over the Mediterranean Action Plan’s direction at a time when the region faces mounting pressures from pollution, overfishing, coastal development and climate change. The Mediterranean, despite representing less than one percent of global ocean surface, contains significant biodiversity and faces disproportionate environmental challenges.
Monaco’s election reflects how small states can wield diplomatic influence in specialised areas. The Principality has built credibility through consistent engagement, hosting relevant institutions, and financial support for Mediterranean environmental initiatives including MedFund, which finances marine protected areas across the region.
The Barcelona Convention serves as one of the UN Environment Programme’s Regional Seas programmes, providing a legal framework for Mediterranean countries to coordinate environmental protection. Monaco’s new role positions it to shape regional priorities through 2027.
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