Tríptics sectorials

The concept of sustainable development in the Mediterranean cannot rely solely on certain measures to mitigate pollution and make production processes more environmentally friendly. It is also necessary to take action where the current model of socioeconomic development; based on resource-intensive consumption; is concerned, as well as the production models that provoke growing environmental degradation and increased polarization between developed and developing nations. In light of this situation, the Contracting Parties of the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention) have identified Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) as one of the four major objectives of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development. It is also one of the themes for the Mediterranean Action Plan’s 2010-2014 Five-Year Work Programme.

The shift towards SCP involves a series of measures that combine the necessary steps to minimize a negative environmental impact within production (cleaner production, energy efficiency, etc.) with the progressive introduction of mechanisms that integrate sustainability criteria within the value chain and consumer-producer cycle.

The Regional Activity Centre for Cleaner Production (CP/RAC) promotes the mechanisms that will lead to SCP in the Mediterranean. As part of its work, the Centre has elaborated a series of fact sheets providing a comprehensive overview of the initiatives and policies implemented between the end of 2005 and the end of 2008 to promote SCP in Mediterranean countries. These fact sheets are based on the report Greening the economy in Mediterranean countries: steps towards Sustainable Consumption and Production. The full report can be downloaded at www.cprac.org.

The Fact sheets have been divided into five categories:

“Key indicators and main issues related to SCP” helps to set the scene for the situation of SCP in the country. It provides an overview of the situation for the most important resources and environmental problems.

The section on “policies and strategic framework” explains the policies and strategic initiatives that are either directly focussed on SCP or have an important impact on its further development in the country. Since SCP is a crosscutting issue that is frequently implemented by a number of different parties, this section reflects the relevant SCΡ related policies.

It also takes a closer look at the national strategy for sustainable development, including its implementation status and SCP focus, as well as other relevant strategies that include SCP, such as the national strategies for Eco- Efficiency, Cleaner Production or Sustainable Waste Management, and the integration of SCP in other programmes or ministries.

“Legal and regulatory framework” provides an overview of the different measures, such as laws, other regulatory or economic instruments, and cooperation agreements in place to support SCP implementation. In many countries the existence of regulatory instruments and the status of their enforcement are two separate issues, and this category specifically addresses the implementation status of these regulatory instruments as a crucial factor in advancing SCP. It also considers Sustainable Public Procurement as an important trigger for SCP promotion.

The category on “Greening industry and society” provides an overview of the relevant initiatives that support a more environmental and socially friendly economy. A major focus lies on the one hand with Corporate Social Responsibility; an important factor to promote more responsible behaviour within companies towards society. On the other hand there are also voluntary agreements that support the development of markets for more sustainable products and services, such as the implementation of eco-labels or the existence of education, training and awareness raising programmes regarding the need for SCP.

Finally the “main actors and projects” category outlines the most important actors and projects involved in the promotion and implementation of SCP. Important protagonists include the relevant ministries and public institutions that are involved in the promotion and implementation of SCP, but also civil society organizations and universities or international and donor organizations.

There is also an analysis of the involvement of each country in the international processes related to SCP and a brief outline of the major projects supporting the implementation of SCP.

Advancing SCP in the Mediterranean is critical for the development of a greener economy and increasing competitiveness of Mediterranean industry. To achieve long term sustainable development it will be necessary to work on joint solutions.

The fact sheets provide an overview of the relevant information for policy and decision makers, providing critical information on the status quo of SCP in the different countries, as a possible starting point towards the development of a more sustainable Mediterranean region for future generations.