2nd Intergovernmental Review of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities (GPA) agreed on actions for PDF-B Phase in China

The Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities (GPA) agreed on actions for PDF-B Phase during its 2nd Intergovernmental Review held in Beijing (China) last 16-20 October 2006. The GEF Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean LME, implemented by UNEP and the World Bank, and executed by UNEP/MAP, responds directly to priorities of the countries of the Mediterranean Sea Basin as identified in the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis, and agreed interventions as outlined in the two Strategic Action Plans, SAP-BIO and SAP-MED. The two SAPs are now erady for implementation, consistent with the GEF Operational Program 2, 9, 14 and 15. The countries of the Mediterranean Basin recognize that they need a more coordinated and innovative approach to the implementation of the SAPs.  The Strategic Partnership will consist of two individual components, which fit together to assist the countries in a collaborative manner:
· Regional Component: Implementation of agreed actions for the protection of the environmental resources of the Mediterranean Sea and its coastal areas (US$ 19 million GEF grant, under preparation and to be implemented by UNEP and partners)
· Investment Fund for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem Partnership (US$ 85 million GEF grant, implemented by World Bank).
This will be the largest regional project ever implemented in the Mediterranean. Its total budget, including co-financing, is expected to exceed $US 250 million.