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The Mediterranean is known as the cradle of civilisation, and has been subject to human intervention for millennia, yet the Mediterranean Sea is still one of the earths sites with the highest biodiversity values. Together with unique endemism mainly because of its particular geomorphologic characteristics and ecological history. It is completely enclosed by land: on the north by Europe, on the south by Africa, and on the east by Asia, and because of this enclosure needs strong preservation actions for its being a closed sea strongly affected by man’s activities.

Although the Mediterranean Sea covers only one per cent of the world’s marine areas, it contains some six per cent of its marine species. Some of the world’s most endangered species, such as the monk seal, can be found in the Mediterranean.

About 82 million people live in coastal cities; by 2025 there will be an estimated 150-170 million. The southern countries account for 32 per cent of the region’s population; by 2025 this is expected to have reached 60 per cent. In addition, seasonal population pressures are also expected. Over 100 million tourists flock to Mediterranean beaches every year and this number is expected to double by 2025, and with the associated need of modern resorts; breeding and nesting sites have sometimes been destroyed to accommodate tourist facilities.

The United Nations Environment Programme has estimated that 650 million tons of sewage, 129,000 tons of mineral oil, 60,000 tons of mercury, 3,800 tons of lead and 36,000 tons of phosphates are dumped into the Mediterranean each year. Meanwhile, 70 per cent of the wastewater dumped into the Mediterranean is untreated.

The sea is also a major oil transportation route and up to one million tons of crude oil is discharged annually in accidental spills, illegal bunkering and tank cleaning practices, as well as inadequate harbour facilities.

The Mediterranean is thus facing a turning point. The recognition of a developing crisis in the Mediterranean has produced an increased political will to tackle environmental problems and to ensure economic and social stability and sustainability. Most countries have ratified the Barcelona Convention, proof of their goodwill to move forward. What is needed now is practical action.

Malta has been at the forefront of marine protection for a number of years. One cannot but mention Arvid Pardo’s electrifying speech 40 years ago calling for international regulations to ensure peace at sea, to prevent further pollution and to protect ocean resources. He proposed that the seabed constitutes part of the “common heritage of mankind”, a phrase that appears in Article 136 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and asked that some of the sea’s wealth be used to bankroll a fund that would help close the gap between rich and poor nations.

Today Malta is involved in various initiatives that favour the sustainability of the Mediterranean Sea. These initiatives range from the setting up of Local Marine Protected Areas such as Dwejra and Ras-ir-Raheb to collaboration with other countries to set up Biodiversity sanctuaries. Malta is also in the process of setting up a Marine Spatial Plan to plan and manage the sustainable use of marine resources within Malta’s marine space. In addition the government is investing resources to educate people to live sustainably within our finite resources. A special mention is here warranted to the recently announced Young Reporters for the Environment in which coastal protection of the Mediterranean is a major focus area of the programme. Malta is therefore still ready to continue fulfilling its maritime and environmental vocation in the Mediterranean, through its membership in the E.U, in Europe and beyond.

Mareamico proposes to afford value to the sea and its resources and envisages solving current challenging marine issues in a holistic manner by looking at the cultural, touristic, ecological and economic spheres. Mareamico mainly works through providing up to date and correct scientific information and by initiatives that help to bring together the various stakeholders - from politicians and scientists to environmentalists and fishermen - to discuss marine issues. These activities promote the creation of new friendships amongst the people and countries of the Mediterranean.

I congratulate Mareamico for this effort to bring together people from all walks of life, to build on Arvid Pardo’s legacy by organising this Conference which seeks to diffuse knowledge of our seas to all nations and their people.

The Minister for Rural Affairs
and the Environment - George Pullicino