During the One Ocean Summit in Brest in 2022, commitments were made to preserve the oceans. In order to act against climate change, all Mediterranean countries, joined by the European Union, have pledged to request the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to create a low-sulfur emission zone throughout the Mediterranean by January 1, 2025, to combat air pollution.

On 15 December 2022, the IMO's 79th Marine Environment Protection Committee approved the creation of a Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter Emission Control Area (SECA Med) covering the entire Mediterranean Sea, as well as the designation of a Particularly Vulnerable Sea Area (PSSA) in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea.

The creation of the SECA Med zone is an important measure for reducing pollution caused by commercial vessels in the Mediterranean region. From 1 May 2025, all ships operating in this area will be required to use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.1%, which is five times lower than the international standard in areas outside the SECAs.

The adoption by the IMO is the result of a successful multilateral process led by the Mediterranean Action Plan of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP-MAP), following the Barcelona Convention.

This initiative will have a significant ecological impact by reducing sulphur emissions and will also help to improve air quality and protect health of people living along the Mediterranean coast. It is estimated that the establishment of the SECA Med zone will prevent more than 1,000 premature deaths and more than 2,000 cases of childhood asthma each year throughout the Mediterranean basin.

As well as setting up the SECA Med zone, they are working on the adoption of a NECA zone (Nitrogen Oxides Emission Control Area) in the region, aiming to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, another pollutant emitted by ships, by imposing stricter standards.

Validation of the principle of designating an MPAZ is also a significant step towards protecting marine biodiversity and reducing the risk of collisions between ships and cetaceans. These measures aim to raise awareness among maritime stakeholders and encourage responsible behaviour to avoid negative impacts on cetacean populations.

At the MEPC 80 meeting in July 2023, the MPAV and its associated measures were endorsed by the IMO. This step forward demonstrates the international maritime community's commitment to protect marine biodiversity and reduce conflicts between human activities and fragile marine ecosystems.

These initiatives demonstrate the ongoing commitment of France and its partners to combat maritime pollution and promote more environmentally-friendly practices in the Mediterranean region