Policy Outputs

In alignment with its synergies, the Mission facilitates the development of key policy documents to address shared environmental goals.

These outputs aim to formalise collaboration and provide actionable frameworks for collective efforts.

The Mission’s policy documents and key recommendations are disseminated in key events, as well as through advocacy campaigns, to reach the identified targets and promote policy change according to the EU priorities.

 

Policy recommendations campaign

Policy recommendation 2024

Feedback to the Nature Restoration

The Mission for Natural Heritage (M4N) welcomes the European Commission’s effort to establish a uniform format for national restoration plans under the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR). We acknowledge the importance of ensuring consistency, transparency, and accessibility of restoration plans across Member States. However, we believe that the current draft could be further strengthened in several key areas to ensure that it effectively supports biodiversity restoration efforts, particularly in Mediterranean coastal and marine environments.

Check full document here.

Policy recommendation 2025

Restoration on marine and coastal ecosystems

The Mission for Natural Heritage (M4N) is a collaborative initiative co-funded by the Interreg Euro MED programme that involves an extensive community of partners and associates and 13 Thematic Projects, with additional projects set to be integrated as the initiative advances. The M4N aims to promote the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of Mediterranean biodiversity through integrated and cross-border actions.

Check full document here.

Policy recommendation 2026

Restoration on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems

The policy brief, entitled “Mediterranean Ecosystems Restoration: Safeguarding Natural Heritage for People and Nature” lays out why we need to restore and protect the natural environment across the Mediterranean region, with a particular focus on forests and wetlands, which are currently threatened by climate change and human activity. 

Check full information here.

Institutional Dialogue 

The Natural Heritage Mission seeks to establish an ongoing and direct dialogue on policies that integrate technical knowledge and innovative solutions into effective and transformative governance. This approach aims to foster collaboration, improve governance, and facilitate the transfer of best practices among stakeholders both within and beyond the Mediterranean community. 

A cornerstone of this effort is the organisation of Annual Institutional Dialogue events, designed to create a platform for exchange and cooperation between policymakers, scientists, and civil society. 

The first Institutional Dialogue event was held on 23–24 November 2023 in Piran, Slovenia. It marked the launch of discussions on embedding technical expertise into actionable policies, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities for natural heritage conservation. For key takeaways, see here. 

The second Institutional Dialogue event took place on 28–29 November 2024 in Málaga, Spain. This event brought together more than 150 experts from 17 Mediterranean countries, aiming to advance collaborative efforts in ecosystem restoration. Discussions focused on aligning actions with the Global Biodiversity Framework and the EU Nature Restoration Law, reinforcing regional and international conservation targets. For key takeaways, see here. 

The third Institutional Dialogue event was organised from 25-27 November, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Bringing together more than 120 participants from 13 Mediterranean countries, representing European and Mediterranean institutions, national and local administrations, research centres and city networks, the event provided a vital platform to explore actionable solutions for protecting and restoring terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. For key takeaways, see here.    

These events are vital for strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring that Mediterranean stakeholders are equipped to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through informed and coordinated action.

 

Synergies and Advocacy Work

The Natural Heritage Mission establishes strategic synergies with relevant Euro-Mediterranean and non-Euro-Mediterranean networks, initiatives, programmes, and organisations. A special focus is placed on fostering connections between the two shores of the Mediterranean Sea to enhance coordination among key actors addressing common challenges. 

In addition, the Mission undertakes advocacy and positioning activities to ensure that the results achieved by the programme, the Thematic Projects, and the Natural Heritage Mission are disseminated in the Mediterranean region and beyond. 

 

Events 

The Natural Heritage Mission has actively participated in and contributed to several events, emphasising its commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration across the Mediterranean region. Key events include: