PAP/RAC STORY Established in 1977, PAP/RAC is one the six Regional Activity Centres (RACs) acting within the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Based in Split (Croatia), PAP/RAC's multidisciplinary professionals co-operate with the governments’ appointed representatives, international and national institutions, including a wide network of experts and stakeholders. Our operational activities are funded by the Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention through the Mediterranean Trust Fund. In addition, we mobilize funds from different donors, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the European Union (EU). PAP/RAC's MISSION In order to tackle the complex environmental, social, economic and institutional challenges the coastal zones are continuously facing, we work together with the Mediterranean countries towards the implementation of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management. In our work we apply the integrated coastal zone manamenet (ICZM). The ICZM process involves different sectors, levels of government, civil society and coastal communities, with the aim to minimise negative environmental impacts, manage coastal resources in a sustainable way and improve the quality of life in the Mediterranean. WHY IS THE ICZM PROTOCOL IMPORTANT? This Protocol, signed in Madrid in 2008, is the first international legally binding instrument on ICZM. From coastal ecosystems and landscapes, wetlands and estuaries, marine habitats, coastal forests, woods to dunes and beaches - the ICZM Protocol supports the Mediterranean countries to better manage and protect their coastal zones and to deal with climate change. TOGETHER WITH MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES, PAP/RAC WORK TOWARDS: * RESILIENT * HEALTY * PRODUCTIVE * DISTINCTIVE * DIVERSE and * ATTRACTIVE MEDITERRANEAN COASTAL ZONE!
