Champion de la conservation marine en Méditerranée orientale

6 novembre 2024. À partir de 18:00 à 19:30 | Conférence | Anglais | Espanol | CaixaForum Macaya, Barcelona

There are growing concerns over the rapid decline in marine ecosystems due to human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Oceans are crucial for regulating the Earth’s climate, providing food, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining biodiversity. However, only a small fraction of the oceans is currently protected, leaving much of marine life vulnerable to degradation. Classifying 30% of the national maritime space as marine protected areas (MPAs) by 2030 has become an internationally recognised target, above the 10% of 2020 (SDG 14).

The Mediterranean Sea is an outstanding biodiversity hotspot. It hosts around 11% of all marine species in less than 1% of the global marine area. Yet, it is a very fragile ecosystem now endangered by human activities which has, only 1,27% of its surface effectively protected (2020, MedPan). In this context, Zafer Kızılkay, a Turkish marine conservationist, has deployed incredible efforts to successfully create and expand effective marine protected areas in the Eastern Mediterranean. In 2012 he founded the Mediterranean Conservation Society which built and oversaw Turkey’s first community-managed Marine Protected Area. These MPAs have now expanded along the Turquoise Coast and have seen balance returning to their ecosystems. Zafer also helped to reduce the number of invasive species by encouraging local fishermen to catch lionfish and rabbitfish, and for local fine-dining chefs to include them on the menus in their restaurants. In recognition of his leadership, he was awarded the 2023 Goldman Environmental Prize.

A Med Dialogues 2030 session at the Palau Macaya, Pg. de Sant Joan, 108, Barcelona. Free entrance with prior registration.