Climate Change Regional Activity Centre
Our Mission
The Climate Change Regional Activity Centre (CC/RAC) is the newest Regional Activity Centre under the UNEP/MAP–Barcelona Convention system. Officially established through a unanimous decision adopted at the 23rd Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP23) to the Barcelona Convention on 6 December 2023, the Centre operates with the financial support of the Republic of Türkiye and is based in Istanbul.
As the impacts of climate change intensify across the Mediterranean region, CC/RAC aims to become a key actor in advancing climate adaptation and mitigation policies and actions at regional and sub-regional levels.
Background: UNEP/MAP and the Barcelona Convention
The United Nations Environment Programme / Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) is the first Regional Seas Programme established under UNEP. In 1976, the Barcelona Convention was adopted by the Mediterranean coastal countries and the European Union, thereby committing themselves to the protection of the marine and coastal environment of the Mediterranean.
The MAP system operates within a structured framework composed of the Contracting Parties, a Coordinating Unit, and Regional Activity Centres (RACs) with specific thematic mandates. Through their respective areas of expertise, the RACs contribute to building the necessary knowledge and capacity for the effective implementation of the Convention.
The Mediterranean region is internationally recognized as a global climate change hotspot, facing increasingly severe and diverse impacts. The need to establish a dedicated Regional Activity Centre on climate change under the UNEP/MAP system was first expressed at the 22nd Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, held in Antalya. During the same meeting, Türkiye officially declared its intention to host this Centre.
Our Mandate & Strategic Objectives
Climate Adaptation
Support Mediterranean countries in developing and implementing national and regional climate adaptation strategies, with a focus on nature-based solutions, coastal resilience, and urban climate planning.
GHG Mitigation
Facilitate the transition to low-carbon economies across the Mediterranean by promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, green industry practices, and sustainable transport systems.
Knowledge & Capacity Building
Strengthen institutional and technical capacities of Mediterranean countries through training programs, knowledge exchange platforms, and technical assistance for climate action.
Regional Cooperation
Foster multi-stakeholder collaboration among Mediterranean governments, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector to address shared climate challenges.