ABSTRACT
The Regional Seas Programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in 1974 to tie coastal nations together in a common commitment to mitigate and prevent degradation of the world’s coastal areas, inshore waters, and open oceans. Each programme is tailored to the specific needs of its shore-line participants, but is made of similar components: an Action Plan for co-operation on management, protection, rehabilitation, development, monitoring, and research of coastal and marine resources. Funds for the activities come initially from UNEP and then from trust funds set up by the governments involved. Open to coastal states in the respective regions. In some cases, upon invitation, open to other states and intergovernmental integration organizations. To achieve international co-operation for a co-ordinated and comprehensive approach to the protection and enhancement of the marine environment and the coastal region of the Mediterranean area.
