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, the Commission 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, CIESM 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.
Beyond pure scientific research, the Commission 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.
Law of the sea
Law of the sea
Engaging Local Authorities
Engaging Local Authorities
Guidance
Guidance
Through keynote addresses, conference lectures and expert seminars, CIESM contributes scientific perspectives to broader discussions on marine governance, innovation, policy and international cooperation. The recordings below provide selected examples of this engagement beyond traditional scientific research.