Strengthen, structure and sustain a Science Policy Interface (SPI) for IMAP implementation in the Mediterranean

Contracting Parties have committed to implementing EcAp with the ultimate objective of achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) of the Mediterranean Sea and coast. GES has been defined through eleven Ecological Objectives (EO) often grouped in three clusters and twenty-eight corresponding operational objectives. There is an increasing necessity for a clearer identification of policy-related knowledge needs, at the regional, national and local scales. Bridging the gap between science and policy, and connecting information production and knowledge generation to foster its use in the decision-making process at different levels is still considered one of the main challenges of our era. Multi-directional rather than one-way linear relationships between science and policy should be facilitated to allow for exchanges, co-evolution and joint construction of knowledge with the aim of enriching both decision-making and supportive research approaches.