Protocols

The Barcelona Convention has given rise to six Protocols or legal instruments addressing specific aspects of Mediterranean environmental conservation. These Protocols signify countries' commitment to their agendas.


Dumping protocol

Protocol for the Prevention of Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft
Adoption: 16 February 1976
Entry into force: 12 February 1978

This Protocol was amended and recorded as:

Protocol for the Prevention and Elimination of Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft or Incineration at Sea
Adoption: 10 June 1995
Entry into force: pending


Prevention and emergency protocol

Protocol Concerning Cooperation in Preventing Pollution from Ships and, in Cases of Emergency, Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea
Adoption: 25 January 2002
Entry into force: 17 March 2004

This Protocol replaced the Protocol Concerning Cooperation in Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Oil and other Harmful Substances in Cases of Emergency which was in force since 1976.


LBS protocol

Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution from Land-Based Sources
Adoption: 17 May 1980
Entry into force: 17 June 1983

This Protocol was amended and recorded as:

Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution from Land-Based Sources and Activities
Adoption: 7 March 1996
Entry into force: pending


SPA and biodiversity protocol

Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean
Adoption: 10 June 1995
Entry into force: 12 December 1999

This Protocol replaced the Protocol concerning Mediterranean Specially Protected Areas which was in force since 1982.


Offshore protocol

Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution Resulting from Exploration and Exploitation of the Continental Shelf and the Seabed and its Subsoil
Adoption: 14 October 1994
Entry into force: pending


Hazardous wastes protocol

Protocol on the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
Adoption: 1 October 1996
Entry into force: pending


ICAM protocol (under preparation)

The 13th meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (Catania, Italy, 2003) decided to prepare a new Protocol to deal with Integrated Coastal Areas Management (ICAM) which is currently under elaboration. For more information go to the PAP/RAC website.

The Programme for the Assessment and Control of Pollution in the Mediterranean Region (MED POL)