Barcelona 25-27.11.2025,
NATURAL HERITAGE MISSION ANNUAL INSTITUTIONAL DIALOGUE

The Institutional Dialogue is an annual two to three-day event addressing policy challenges and solutions related to the Mediterranean’s natural heritage. It fosters discussion on obstacles, new approaches, and opportunities for nature conservation.

The 2025 edition will coincide with the 10th UfM Regional Forum and the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, which promotes Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. On this occasion, the European Commission is renewing its Mediterranean strategy through the Oceans Pact and the Pact for the Mediterranean, aiming to deepen strategic partnerships.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan and the Barcelona Convention, prompting updates to the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development and its protocols.

Finally, the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, adopted in 2024, sets binding ecosystem restoration targets, creating new opportunities for NHM partners to support national plans and collaborate with public administrations.

This policy momentum sets the scene for the NHM Annual Institutional Dialogue, which will be rolling out in three different moments:

  • On 25th November, the Institutional Dialogue will explore the opportunities and limitations of the new Pacts and the renewed frameworks in terms of nature protection, restoration, and valorisation in the Mediterranean context as to their implications for or contribution from multilevel stakeholders and the Mission Natural Heritage Community. We will also hold a local and regional dialogue around the Nature Restoration Regulation between the different Spanish sub-state administrations and some partners leading local experiences under the Interreg Euro-MED Programme. This afternoon session will focus on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
  • On 26th November, we will be fully engaged within our Community of Practice. We will first deal with a participatory dynamic to extend the Mission’s Policy Recommendations on Coastal and Marine restoration to the terrestrial environment (including wetlands).
  • Following, all Thematic projects will showcase their results and raise interest for transference and adoption opportunities (NHM Amplification Room activities).
  • On 27th November, during the morning, we propose tailored activities for transfer opportunities dedicated to the community members and key actors.