On 19–20 June, the PAP/RAC Director represented the UNEP/MAP system at the Fourth Edition of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) Marrakesh Economic Parliamentary Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Regions, jointly organised with the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Over a day and a half, around 70 speakers explored key issues shaping the region's future, including economic integration, artificial intelligence, the blue economy, climate change, food security and regional cooperation.
PAP/RAC contributed to the session on Stimulating Job Creation through the Blue Economy, highlighting that healthy coastal and marine ecosystems are fundamental to long-term economic prosperity. The presentation referred to the latest findings from the World Meteorological Organization and recent global assessments showing that the world has exceeded the 1.5°C warming threshold set out in the Paris Agreement, while progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals remains insufficient. These global trends underline the urgency of investing in resilient and sustainable coastal development.
The presentation also showcased the Mediterranean's policy response through the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD), the Cairo Ministerial Declaration, the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Framework (RCCAF), and the work of the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development (MCSD), demonstrating how integrated regional cooperation can support climate resilience and sustainable economic development.
A practical example came from the Coastal Plan for the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region in Morocco, developed under GEF Child Project 2.1. A cost-benefit assessment demonstrated that every USD 1 invested in reforestation can generate between USD 14 and USD 28 in societal benefits, illustrating how nature-based solutions can simultaneously strengthen climate resilience, support local economies and create employment. These findings reflect the vision recently expressed by H.M. King Mohammed VI, who emphasised the importance of "balancing accelerated development with the protection and enhancement of coastal assets, within a maritime economy that generates wealth and jobs."
The Forum concluded by reaffirming the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing economic cooperation, sustainable development, regional connectivity and shared resilience across the Euro-Mediterranean, Gulf and African regions. PAP/RAC's participation highlighted the important role of integrated coastal zone management and nature-based solutions in supporting resilient and sustainable blue economies across the Mediterranean.
More details about the meeting can be found at: MEDIA INFORMATION: PR45/ 2026, PR47/ 2026 and PR48/ 2026
