The Mediterranean: a biodiversity hotspot

Despite being the world's second largest biodiversity hotspot, the Mediterranean stands as one of the most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change.  In a region where temperatures are rising 20% faster than the rest of the world, human activity is rapidly increasing the pressure on natural resources and ecosystems.

The Mediterranean is also a unique example of international governance and cooperation supported by a rich diversity of cultures, countries and voices. 

Ever since its opening 2001, IUCN-Med has developed the cooperation between with the countries in North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia). Throughout a variety of initiatives, we advise governments on best practices to conserve nature. Likewise, we are working with civil society organisation in North Africa, to strengthen their role in national strategies for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

Since 2009, a specific IUCN programme is created for the region and implemented every four years, in consultation with IUCN members and partners.