Why do we need to protect the Mediterranean Sea?

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the largest reserves of marine and coastal biodiversity in the world. Its waters are home to about 17,000 marine species, 7.5% of the world’s marine fauna, and 18% of the world’s marine flora. It has areas with a high concentration of ecologically important species.

It is also of the most threatened seas in the world. Overfishing, destructive fishing such as bottom trawling, great and increasing human pressure, pollution, the introduction of invasive species, and warming are some of the greatest challenges to marine biodiversity.

Source of prosperity

From the Strait of Gibraltar to the Dardanelles Strait, the Mediterranean is a source of life and prosperity.

Around 150 million people live and depend on this sea.

The global value of its natural assets is estimated at over €4.66 trillion.

The 30×30 global initiative is an opportunity to protect the richness of the Mediterranean and turn it into a network of interconnected marine sanctuaries.