Coastal Area Management Programme (CAMP)
A flagship UNEP/MAP programme coordinated by PAP/RAC, working directly with national governments to translate the ICZM Protocol into practice
CAMP projects provide a practical framework for applying ICZM objectives and principles and advancing sustainable coastal development in selected coastal areas.
Launched in 1989, CAMP refers to country-driven projects designed to respond to local, national, and regional priorities. By reconciling the challenges of coastal development with environmental protection, CAMP projects provide concrete solutions while respecting the unique legal, administrative, and cultural backgrounds of Mediterranean countries. Through this collaborative effort, involving all components of the UNEP/MAP – Barcelona Convention system, regional policy commitments are translated into tangible results for coastal communities.
CAMPs in a nutshell
CAMP projects act as a direct demonstration of ICZM Protocol implementation. From the first CAMP in Croatia (Kaštela Bay) to CAMPs in Türkiye and Malta launched in 2026, these projects bridge the gap between policy and practice by supporting countries in facilitating sustainable development of coastal zones by ensuring that the environment and landscapes are taken into account in harmony with economic, social and cultural development.
This is done through five pillars that underpin coastal sustainability:
Alat za integralno planiranje
Innovative methodologies
Institutional coordination
Jačanje kapaciteta
Public participation
From proposal to regional impact
The path to a CAMP project begins with the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, who approve initiatives based on their potential to drive real change.
Successful projects rely on strong national and local political commitment and a clear alignment with the regional priorities of the Mediterranean. By assessing the institutional capacity within a project area, CAMP ensures that the necessary foundations are there to turn project outputs into reality. Projects are ultimately selected because they offer approaches that can be replicated elsewhere, enabling successful practices to spread across the Mediterranean.
Over the past three decades, almost all Mediterranean countries have hosted at least one CAMP. Jointly funded by the Mediterranean countries, these projects represent a long-standing example of regional solidarity and cooperation.
Transboundary CAMPs – coastal management beyond borders
Carried out from 2021 to 2023, the first transboundary CAMP for the Otranto strait marked an important milestone for the Mediterranean. It was the first initiative to apply ICZM at a transboundary scale, demonstrating that integrated coastal management can – effectively address shared challenges across national borders. Promoting cross-border cooperation is increasingly becoming a core objective of CAMP. It underscores the importance of jointly identifying regional challenges and developing strategic recommendations that support a sustainable framework for the region’s future.
