PAP/RAC empowers Mediterranean communities to protect their shores through targeted outreach and regional action
The Mediterranean is more than a sea; it is a way of life for 150 million people living along its shores – sustaining their livelihoods, lifestyles, and wellbeing. But today, this unique heritage is under growing pressure.
The Mediterranean coast is facing unprecedented challenges. Rapid urbanisation and mass tourism are degrading fragile coastal ecosystems, while pollution, unsustainable resource exploitation and habitat loss threaten marine biodiversity. Climate change impacts – happening 20% faster here than the global average – amplify these challenges and increase risks for coastal communities.
Celebrated each year on 25 September, the event marks the first ratification of the ICZM Protocol by Slovenia in 2009 – a milestone in Mediterranean coastal governance through which Mediterranean countries committed to integrated coastal management.
With a different national host for the main celebration each year, Coast Day is organised in collaboration with partners across the region – from ministries and universities to local associations and youth groups.
Over time, this initiative has grown into a truly Mediterranean movement. While one country hosts the central event each year, other countries across the Mediterranean organise their own national and local Coast Day events.
In response to these growing pressures, Mediterranean Coast Day was established in 2007 as a regional platform for awareness and action. Coordinated by PAP/RAC within the UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention system, it honours the natural, economic, and cultural value of our coast while promoting practical solutions for its long-term sustainability. It brings together governments, institutions, scientists, and local communities around one shared mission: protecting our coasts and seas.
Far from being just an awareness campaign, Coast Day serves as a catalyst for action. It bridges social and cultural divides to connect institutions, scientists, educators, businesses and communities across the Mediterranean.
Through diverse activities – public debates, exhibitions, workshops, beach clean-ups and media campaigns – and with the support of Coast Ambassadors, public figures who champion the cause, Coast Day gives visibility to the people and ideas driving change.
In recent years, Coast Day has extended its reach. Regional digital campaigns now run alongside on-the-ground celebrations, creating a shared online space for coast and sea to promote best practices which help build coastal resilience. Supported by the GEF MedProgramme, these campaigns connect millions of people across the entire basin.
The impact of this push is already visible. In 2025 alone, the campaign generated approximately 42 million impressions and over 320,000 clicks across 21 Mediterranean countries, sparking conversations about coastal challenges and solutions on a wider scale than ever. Because Coast Day is about turning awareness into action. By opening up new spaces for dialogue and innovation, it helps build the practical solutions needed to safeguard our coasts for future generations.
Main celebration: Tunis, Tunisia
The 2025 edition highlighted the essential role of institutions in driving coastal resilience. From designing policies to sharing knowledge, these organisations stand at the heart of sustainable coastal governance.
Explore the #inspiringImpact storymap
Main celebration: Annaba, Algeria
Under the theme “#WomensWave for coastal sustainability in the Mediterranean,” this edition focused on women at the forefront of coastal and marine conservation, climate action and other environmental efforts that contribute to a more resilient and sustainable Mediterranean.
Join the #WomensWave
Main celebration: Vlora, Albania
The 2023 edition focused on the importance of coastal aquifers - hidden freshwater systems vital for ecosystems and communities. It called for stronger protection of these invaluable groundwater resources.
Learn more about coastal aquifiersTake a deeper dive into the Coast Day story. Visit the official website managed by INFO/RAC, the UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre for information and communication.
