Our funding in action

Throughout 2025, The MedFund kept supporting stakeholder engagement processes that strengthen co-management arrangements between authorities, local communities, fishers, civil society, and scientific actors, through local management committees that ensure well governance. Governance meetings provided a structured platform for dialogue and joint decision-making regarding resource use, surveillance priorities, and conservation measures. These governance forums improved transparency and trust among stakeholders and fostered a shared sense of responsibility for marine resources. By encouraging inclusive governance, The MedFund contributes not only to better ecological outcomes but also to stronger social legitimacy of MPAs, ensuring that conservation measures are understood, supported, and respected by those who depend on the sea.

In 2025, The MedFund support contributed to the development of sustainable blue economy activities aligned with conservation objectives. In several MPAs, regulated tourism has become a source of local income while reinforcing awareness of marine conservation.
At the same time, The MedFund has supported dialogue with small-scale fishers to promote sustainable fishing practices compatible with MPA regulations. These efforts contribute to the local economy while maintaining fish stocks and protecting critical habitats. The integration of conservation and livelihoods illustrates the practical application of the blue economy principles within MPAs.

Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) are a set of tools and procedures designed to identify, assess, and mitigate potential environmental and social risks associated with MedFund funding. By anticipating risks early and guiding mitigation measures, ESS helps ensure that conservation activities are carried out in a safe, inclusive, and sustainable manner.

Ensuring Safety in a Context of Political Instability (Lebanon)
In Palm Island Nature Reserve (Lebanon), the implementation of conservation activities such as patrolling and enforcement takes place in a context affected by ongoing conflict. While essential for conservation, these activities can expose staff to significant safety and security risks.
Through ESS Community Health, Safety and Security, these risks linked to the implementation of field activities were identified and addressed. A dedicated risk management plan was developed, prioritizing the activities considering safety protocols, coordination with relevant authorities, and adapted field operations.

Managing Tourism Pressure Generated by Project Activities (Tunisia)
In MPAs such as Kuriat and Ras Rmal, field activities promoting site access, ecotourism, and recreational use can increase visitor pressure on fragile marine ecosystems.
These activities, while beneficial for awareness and local development, may generate risks related to habitat disturbance and visitor safety.
Environmental and social safeguards (ESS) related to biodiversity conservation and community health and safety enabled the identification of these risks associated with project implementation. Mitigation measures include the development of tourism management plans, carrying capacity assessments, and the use of appropriate safety equipment for activities such as diving.

The MedFund recognizes that inclusive conservation strengthens both governance and community resilience. In 2025, particular attention was given to supporting the role of women in and around MPAs, including engagement with fisherwomen cooperatives in Gökova and Dalyan in Türkiye.
These cooperatives play an important role in local fisheries value chains, environmental stewardship, and knowledge sharing.
By supporting their participation in governance meetings, awareness activities, and sustainable livelihood initiatives, The MedFund contributes to greater gender inclusion in marine conservation. Empowering women in coastal communities enhances social equity while reinforcing sustainable practices and local ownership of conservation objectives.

Scientific monitoring remained a milestone of The MedFund supported management in 2025. MPAs continued regular monitoring of key species and habitats, including emblematic fish species, seagrass meadows, and sensitive coastal ecosystems. This data allows managers to assess ecological trends, adapt management measures, and demonstrate conservation effectiveness.
Improvements were observed in our management evaluation assessment indicators, reflecting better compliance, enhanced surveillance, and recovery signs in priority habitats. By linking financial support to measurable ecological monitoring, The MedFund ensures that conservation outcomes are documented, adaptive management is possible, and progress toward long-term biodiversity objectives is clearly demonstrated.