This call launched by UNEP/MAP-SPA/RAC invites CSOs to propose project ideas to celebrate SPAMIs and promote marine biodiversity conservation.

The List of Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI List) has been established in 2001 under the Barcelona Convention’s Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean. So far, 39 protected areas have been included in the List, upon request of the concerned Contracting Party or Parties, in recognition of their ecological, scientific, aesthetic, cultural or educational interest at regional level.

This year marks the second observance of SPAMI Day, set for 15 April each year, where we will once again call for expanded efforts for ocean conservation. The theme for SPAMI Day 2023 is “participation and co-management” of protected areas. By picking this theme, we wanted to value and encourage the dynamics that bring together all stakeholders within SPAMIs to drive transformative change towards restoring ecosystems and living in harmony with nature.

This call for projects is part of the SPAMI Day celebration and is addressed to Mediterranean civil society organisations. It invites them to propose project ideas for the celebration of SPAMI Day and the promotion of marine biodiversity conservation. The six most relevant projects will be funded to be implemented in coordination with SPAMI managers within SPAMIs .

This call is supported by the "SPAMI Twinning Programme" - Ensure effective SPAMI management and evaluation - implemented in the framework of the cooperation agreement between the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and UNEP/MAP.

More details are provided in the Terms of Reference.

For any questions, please contact Ms Saba GUELLOUZ, SPAMI Twinning Programme Officer, and Ms Dorra MAAOUI, Communications Assistant, at the following email addresses: saba.guellouz@spa-rac.org; dorra.maaoui@spa-rac.org.

The deadline for submission of proposals is 9 March 2023 (extended).