Working in Unity in the Mediterranean

An integrated and sustained ocean and coastal observing system needs an enduring collaboration among the neighbouring countries and a strong will to share efforts, resources and knowledge. The early dialogue and the involvement of all the Mediterranean countries in MedGOOS are crucial and vital for its long-term success. The regional dimension of the MedGOOS Association will ensure that this collaborative venture will bring benefits and opportunities equally to all the riparian coastal peoples.

The MedGOOS members play a leading role as a competent entity for the promotion of GOOS in their country. The coordination role of each member as a national focal point, the establishment of links with the local scientific community and the public authorities, and the awareness activities are a main thrust for the implementation of MedGOOS and an enabling asset to the future projection into long term commitments at governmental level.

Coordination with other GOOS bodies

MedGOOS has a strong cooperation with EuroGOOS, with which share the European members. The Mediterranean Task Team of EuroGOOS has provided the science base for the MedGOOS activity. The MedGOOS is building on the strategy, plan and activities of the many EuroGOOS task teams and on the pre-operational projects developed under the EuroGOOS umbrella. The EuroGOOS Director is Advisor to the MedGOOS project MAMA. The MedGOOS chairperson is trustee and officer of the board of EuroGOOS

MedGOOS has links with AfricaGOOS, whose Chairman is advisor to the MAMA project. The links between the two regional activities is also through common, very active members (Maria Snoussi).

MedGOOS is cooperating with Black Sea GOOS in the project planning activity. The MAMA project has been used by BlackSea GOOS to prepare a successful proposal to the EC, ARENA, to which both MedGOOS and EuroGOOS are participating. ARENA will start in January 2003.

The chairperson of MedGOOS, in agreement with the chairperson of Black Sea GOOS has submitted a successful Expression of Interest to the European Commission for an integrated project, MAMA-MIP embodying the extended MedGOOS and Black Sea GOOS communities, including all MAMA and ARENA partners. The full proposal will be submitted at the end of 2003. The aims of MAMA-MIP are to set up the initial observing system, strengthen the national capacity in ocean forecasting, incorporate emerging technologies; design effective sampling strategies for the permanent operational forecasting system to benefit tourism, maritime transport, coastal protection, fisheries and to mitigate pollution.