Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Interest (SPAMI)

The 1995 Protocol Concerning Mediterranean Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (which replaced the 1982 Protocol Concerning Mediterranean Specially Protected Areas) provides for the establishment of a List of Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Interest (SPAMI List). The list is to include sites which 'are of importance for conserving the components of biological diversity in the Mediterranean; contain ecosystems specific to the Mediterranean area or the habitats of endangered species; are of special interest at the scientific, aesthetic, cultural or educational levels' (Article 8(2)).

 

The procedures for the establishment and listing of SPAMIs are described in detail in Article 9. SPAMIs may be created both within areas of national jurisdiction and on the high seas. It is applicable to the seabed, its subsoil and to the terrestrial coastal areas designated by each party, including wetlands. The extension of the geographical coverage of the new protocol (in comparison with the 1982 Protocol) was necessary in order to protect also highly migratory species such as marine mammals. As regards the areas located partly or wholly on the high seas, the proposal is to be made 'by two or more neighbouring parties concerned'; the decision to include the area in the SPAMI List is taken by consensus by the contracting parties during their periodic meetings; the protection and management measures applying in the SPAMI are those prescribed by the States proposing the SPAMI but all parties are to comply with such measures. While respect to the relationship with third countries, the parties shall 'invite States that are not Parties to the Protocol and international organisations to cooperate in [its] implementation' (Article 28(2)). Last but not least Parties are to take action (the other major change made by the new Protocol), both individually and co-operatively, to conserve fauna and flora. In particular they are to regulate and prohibit activities having adverse effects on endangered or threatened species or their habitats.

 

The 1995 Protocol is similar to its predecessor as regards the establishment of specially protected areas, although more guidance is given on management plans.