Technical report: Exploratory study on environmentally harmful subsidies in the Mediterranean

This exploratory study aims to raise awareness among decision-makers about environmentally harmful subsidies (EHS) in the Mediterranean, focusing on fishing and tourism. It highlights the diversity in definitions and methodologies surrounding EHS, complicating coordinated action for their reform. Estimates of EHS vary considerably and significantly surpass the investments in environmental protection. Despite international and regional agreements to reduce them, their impact persists, jeopardizing ecosystems and local livelihoods. The study emphasizes that for an effective reform, there is a need to increase data availability and extend the study to other sectors, while leveraging international events and tools for environmental fiscal reform. *

*The work for this study was conducted by Plan Bleu in 2021, with revisions in 2023.

Other recent publications

27/03/25

Nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean coasts are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, pollution or unsustainable resource use and habitat degradation. This report has been developed in the frame of

Read more
27/03/25

Catalyzing Coastal Adaptation Finance in Morocco – Rapid Capacity Assessment

This report analyzes Morocco’s adaptation strategies and needs to address the impacts of climate change in its coastal areas, particularly the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima Region, one of the two

Read more
12/03/25

Discover the MED2050 report for a sustainable and resilient Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean is a region with a unique natural and cultural heritage, yet it faces increasingly concerning environmental and societal challenges. To help build a

Read more
Plan Bleu
Building the Mediterannean’s future together
Plan Bleu