Italy has ratified the Barcelona Convention’s Protocol Concerning Cooperation in Preventing Pollution from Ships and, In Cases of Emergency, Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea, known as the ‘Prevention and Emergency Protocol’.

Under the Protocol, Parties commit to cooperate to implement international regulations to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from ships, and to take all necessary measures in cases of pollution incidents.

The country deposited the instrument of Ratification on 30 June 2016, as confirmed by the Government of Spain - Depositary of the Barcelona Convention. The Protocol then entered into force for Italy on 30 July 2016.

The ratification is testament to the continued commitment of the Government of Italy to the protection of the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment.

In 1975, 16 Mediterranean countries and the European Community adopted the Mediterranean Action Plan - the first-ever Regional Seas Programme under the umbrella of UN Environment.

The following year, these Parties adopted the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution, or Barcelona Convention, covering seven aspects of marine conservation.

For more information write to hoda.elturk@unepmap.gr