The new Memorandum of Understanding between EMODnet Chemistry and the United Nations Environment Programme

On behalf of EMODnet Chemistry, the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This is the leading organisation within the United Nations system in the field of environment, working to conserve, protect, enhance and sustain nature and natural resources, including biodiversity, worldwide.

EMODnet Chemistry's expertise in collecting, validating and providing marine water quality data, and in creating corresponding open data products, is recognised and used at the global level.

UNEP is already involved in the EMODnet Chemistry network as a consolidated regional expert through its Mediterranean Action Plan.

The MoU aims to consolidate, develop and detail the cooperation and effectiveness of the Parties to achieve common environmental goals. Specifically, through the agreement, UNEP and EMODnet Chemistry intend to protect the global marine environment, human well-being and animal welfare by addressing marine litter and plastic pollution. In this context, both Parties have a special commitment and rock-solid expertise. UNEP, through its Ecosystems Division, has a mandate to lead the development of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) Digital Platform, a partially open-source multi-stakeholder platform that brings together diverse resources, connects stakeholders and integrates data to guide action. Since 2016, EMODnet Chemistry has focused on marine litter data management and is considered the European hub for managing many types of marine litter data and data products accepted by the MSFD Marine Litter Working Group, Regional Seas Conventions and Member States, and integrated into the GPML Digital Platform.

The objectives of the MoU will be achieved by providing a platform for cooperation and coordination, exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences, and identification of gaps and emerging issues. In addition, Parties will work together to engage a wide range of stakeholders. Ultimately, they will take action to implement the following goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs): SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production) and 14 (Life below Water), Target 14.1, which states that by 2025, marine litter of all kinds, especially from land-based activities, including marine litter and nutrient pollution, should be prevented and significantly reduced.

The agreement will remain in force until 31 December 2026.