Mediterranean 2000
MEDFORUM
(Mediterranean NGO Network for Ecology and Sustainable Development)
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Mediterranean 2000 |
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MEDFORUM |
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(Mediterranean NGO Network for Ecology and Sustainable Development) |
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Beyond globalisation to local regeneration
INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP - MALTA, 29-30 April, 2000
MEDFORUM: The Forum of Mediterranean NGOs for Ecology and Sustainable Development
Communication prepared by MEDFORUM and presented by Eric E. van Monckhoven
What is MEDFORUM?
MEDFORUM is the network of NGOs from the Mediterranean Basin dedicated to promoting the defence and protection of the environment within a framework of sustainable development., to allow integrated management of the Mediterranean and its coastline based on solidarity. MEDFORUM considers that the preservation of the environment and nature is only possible on the basis of solidarity links between individuals and peoples, between them and their surroundings, as well as between the present and future generations.
The network was formed in Barcelona on November 28&29, 1995 as the result of a concerted demand from NGOs of the Mediterranean Basin expressed during the III Mediterranean Environmental Forum in which more than 200 people from 80 NGOs in 17 countries of the region participated.
MEDFORUM’s statutes are registered in accordance with Spanish law since February 22, 1996. The headquarters are in Barcelona (Spain). The registered number of the association is 160.615.
Any NGO of the Mediterranean can apply for membership. In 1997, there were more than 80 NGOs from the following countries: Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.
NGOS acting in neighbouring countries with a focus on the Mediterranean can also apply. NGOs from Portugal, Andorra, Jordan are also members of MEDFORUM and contacts are established in Bosnia Herzegovina and Serbia.
MEDFORUM Activities
The network speaks on behalf of its members and informs the international authorities and forums about their activities for environmental protection/conservation and sustainable development. MEDFORUM took part in the meetings of MAP – Mediterranean Action Plan in the framework of the Barcelona Convention (Syracuse, Barcelona, Izmir, Tunis), MCSD – Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development (Rabat, Mallorca, Sofia Antipolis), UNCCD – United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (Rome, Dakar), IUCN – International Union for Nature Conservation (Montreal), IV Mediterranean Environmental Forum (Barcelona), NGO Forum on SMAP (Montpellier, Helsinki), and in the UNESCO Conference on Environmental Education (Thessalonika).
MEDFORUM promotes Cupertino between its members for the implementation of sustainable and environmental protection projects in the Mediterranean Basin. The MEDFORUM bank of projects helps the members to display their activities, look for financial supports and working partnerships.
Among the projects in operation, we can refer to:
Regional problems require concerted answer. MEDFORUM co-ordinates awareness campaigns such as The Mediterranean Traffic Light campaign aiming at drawing up a map of citizens’ sensitivity towards the environmental quality of the Mediterranean coastline. A system of indicators (green, amber, red = good, medium, poor status of conservation) helps to define the status of the sites.
Encouraging dialogue between partners and stakeholders is another pillar of the MEDFORUM network. MEDFORUM organises thematic workshops throughout the Mediterranean: desertification, biodiversity, environmental education, sustainable tourism.
MEDFORUM is affiliated to MAP/UNEP, EEB – European Environment Bureau, ELCI – Environmental Liaison Centre International, MCSD – Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development, etc.
It also develops and maintains close relationships with the European Union and international agencies and institutions such as Bern, ramsar Conventions, World Bank, ECOSOC, IUCN, IFAD,…) from which it receives support.
MEDFORUM Structure