Mediterranean

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), the only resident pinniped species in the Mediterranean Sea, stands as one of the most endangered marine mammals on Earth. The growing interest in the species and its preservation has led in recent years to an intensification of the research, management and conservation initiatives.

The Mediterranean blue carbon strategy aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems, such as Posidonia oceanica meadows and other seagrasses. These ecosystems are vital for climate change mitigation, carbon storage, and providing essential services like biodiversity, coastal protection, and sustainable livelihoods.

Marine invasive species can have a disastrous impact on biodiversity, ecosystems, fisheries, human health, tourism and coastal development, and they can be extremely difficult and costly to control.

Knowledge gathered over the past four years in the IUCN Close the Plastic Tap programme is the basis of this publication.

This manual is based on, and represents an expanded and updated edition of the first MEET manual. The purpose of this manual is to provide protected area managing bodies and the local ecotourism sector with a clear pathway to plan and enhance engaged conservation-focused ecotourism in their areas.