A webinar on IMO's Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention
and its application in the Mediterranean region, amid the global pandemic, has
helped to raise awareness, enhance knowledge and share best practices on
implementing the Convention.
According to a recent REMPEC* Study, vessel-introduced
non-indigenous species have been estimated to account for 26% of all species
introduced in the Mediterranean. In the last ten years, the number of species
in the Mediterranean Sea has continued to increase, posing a significant threat
to humans in terms of health and recreational activities as well as
environments and indigenous species in the region.
In keeping with the theme of World Maritime Day for 2020:
"Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet", some 69 participants
from various ministries, departments, agencies and other stakeholders, took
part in the event (23 September).
The webinar is the first to be organized online by REMPEC.
It included an overview of the BWM Convention and updated participants on
revisions to the Mediterranean BWM Strategy with respect to changes in
international regulations, since entry into force of the BWM Convention in
2017. Knowledge was shared on the preparation of a Mediterranean Strategy for
the Prevention and Response to Marine Pollution from Ships (2022-2031), and a
review of the guidance related to the common indicator on non-indigenous
species of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme and related
assessment criteria for the Mediterranean Sea and Coast (IMAP).
The need for a unified approach to address problems of
ballast water and invasive species in the Mediterranean region was echoed in
presentations delivered by the International Maritime Organization, the Baltic
Marine Environment Protection Commission, the Specially Protected Areas
Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC), and the ODYSSEA Project, as well as
representatives from the 16 Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention.