Monaco hosted the Technical Advisory Commission for the periodic renewal of the Pelagos Sanctuary’s designation as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI). Held at the headquarters of the Pelagos Agreement on Tuesday, January 14, the meeting brought together international experts and national focal points from the Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity (SPA/BD) protocol under the Barcelona Convention.

The commission evaluated the progress made since the last review in 2019, examining advancements in marine conservation and management within the sanctuary. The findings from this periodic assessment will be presented at the 17th meeting of SPA/BD focal points in May 2025. A final decision on renewing the sanctuary’s SPAMI status will be made during the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the Barcelona Convention, scheduled for December 2025 in Egypt.

Established in 2001, the Pelagos Sanctuary is the only international marine protected area dedicated exclusively to the conservation of marine mammals in the Mediterranean. Its SPAMI status, a hallmark of its significance and commitment to biodiversity, is reviewed and renewed every six years to ensure ongoing effectiveness in preserving the region’s unique marine ecosystems.

This renewal process underscores the global importance of the Pelagos Sanctuary as a collaborative effort among Mediterranean countries to safeguard marine mammals and their habitats for future generations.

Image courtesy of portfrejus.fr