Mediterranean Programme

Conservation action in the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot

A Rocha, Christians in Conservation, has over 40 years of combined experience in nature conservation in Portugal, France and Lebanon. In 2007 it launched a Mediterranean Programme as a specific contribution to Countdown 2010, aiming to reverse biodiversity decline at key sites across this bioregion.

The Mediterranean Basin is described as the cradle of civilisation. It is also a wonderful part of God’s creation, home to an exceptional richness of plants, animals and habitats and as such recognised as one of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots. However, this natural richness faces significant threats such as pollution, climate change and tourism development. For example it receives 110 million visitors every year, and this figure is expected to double in the next two decades, putting tremendous pressure on surviving areas of natural habitats and traditional farmland.

The Mediterranean Programme aims to raise awareness of, and help develop solutions to, these challenges to the region’s precious biodiversity. It aims to link together A Rocha’s conservation and research activity and partner with other stakeholders in the region such as the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation. A local approach, but global perspective, is essential for meeting the 2010 biodiversity target.