Beyond Science

Beyond pure scientific research, CIESM is actively engaged in societal issues such as marine governance, ocean law, and economic concerns. Its political independence and freedom enable the organization to make policy recommendations based solely on high-quality science.

Below are some of the areas where CIESM is particularly involved.

Marine Protected Areas (MPA)

Connecting national MPAs based on oceanographic knowledge; Conceptualization and design of international coast-to-coast marine reserves.

Marine Protected Areas (MPA)

Connecting national MPAs based on oceanographic knowledge; Conceptualization and design of international coast-to-coast marine reserves.

Fisheries

Communicating research findings to marine stakeholders and policymakers.

Fisheries

Communicating research findings to marine stakeholders and policymakers.

Law of the sea

Harmonization of legal frameworks (e.g., intellectual property rights, access to the sea); Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) of genetic resources.

Law of the sea

Harmonization of legal frameworks (e.g., intellectual property rights, access to the sea); Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) of genetic resources.

Science & Industry

Exploring marine biodiversity for bio- and nano-technological applications; Developing innovative partnerships between the private sector, government, and public stakeholders.

Science & Industry

Exploring marine biodiversity for bio- and nano-technological applications; Developing innovative partnerships between the private sector, government, and public stakeholders.

Valuation of marine ecosystems

Economic valuation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity

Valuation of marine ecosystems

Economic valuation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity

Advisory Role

CIESM acts as an advisory and expert body to various international agencies and organizations involved in marine environment management. As early as 1992, CIESM representatives attended the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio to alert world leaders to the fragility of the Mediterranean ecosystem, already calling for greater protection of the high seas. That same year, the Commission was commissioned by the European Parliament to prepare an independent and comprehensive assessment of marine pollution in the Mediterranean.

In addition, CIESM provides the necessary expertise to support the work of certain international organizations, including the UN, through the preparation of technical documents, for instance, for the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs, on topics such as marine genetic research or dense water formations in the Mediterranean depths.