Pelagos Living Lab turns 25 and it looks to a Blue Med future.

For twenty-five years, a scientific hub based in Monaco has been contributing to the development of projects for twenty-five years to preserve the marine ecosystem in the northern Mediterranean. The Pelagos Living Lab turns 25 fostering Research & Development through practical actions.

On December the 18th, 2024, the Lab gathered at the Musée Océanographique more than 150 experts to animate the event: “Pelagos living lab: 25 years between research and concerted action”, within the birthday celebrations. The most significant projects regarding the Pelagos Agreement were presented for the occasion. Not by chance, the Pelagos Sanctuary, entered into force in 2002, is addressed to the protection of marine mammals in the Northern Mediterranean area by the will of France, Italy and the Principality of Monaco. This multilateral agreement is a unique example in international law.

Photo >> The panel of experts gathered at the Oceanographic Museum to celebrate the 25th Birthday Anniversary of Pelagos Living Lab (18th December 2024) © JC Vinaj

A set of technical and scientific workshops highlighted the six ongoing scientific projects, promoted by the Pelagos Agreement, as well as their interconnections. The creation of species distribution and risk potential maps of the main threats (e.g.: maritime traffic, underwater noise, pollutants, port activities, fishing activities, etc.) are milestones of the action plan.

The Pelagos Agreement officially signed a Memoranda of Understanding to reinforce the collaboration with the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and the INFO/RAC in order to implement decision-making and management synergy within the Pelagos Sanctuary.

Photo >> Costanza Favilli, Executive Secretary of the Pelagos Agreement, and Viola Cattani, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Pelagos Agreement, toasting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Pelagos Living Lab (Oceanographic Museum, Conference Hall, 18th December 2024) © JC Vinaj

Last but not least, the one-day event ended with the Pelagos Living Lab Birthday in the presence of all members of the Secretariat. The anniversary will be celebrated throughout 2025 with a series of meaningful events and initiatives. Meanwhile, the Pelagos Agreement will play a leading role at the 3rd UN Oceans Conference, set in Nice in June 2025. Stay connected for the follow-up! ***

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By Maurice Abbati

• Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist

• Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.

Cover page of PhD manual by Maurice Abbati