The 8ᵉ edition of the World Forum of the Sea, held on September 11 and 12, 2025 in Bizerte under the theme “From Nice to Bizerte: How is the Mediterranean?” », Concluded with a call to unite the forces to protect and enhance the Mediterranean in the face of its multiple crises.
A Mediterranean in danger
The Mediterranean Sea is today confronted with various threats: weakened biodiversity, marine ecosystems in decline, plastic, sound, chemical and industrial pollution, global warming, water acidification, rise in sea level and extreme phenomena. Overfishing and regional conflicts, including the situation in Gaza, also accentuates pressure on its resources and coastal communities.
Shared governance and civil society
The Declaration of Bizerte 2025 pleads for inclusive and united governance of the Mediterranean, by strengthening cooperation between states, local authorities, NGOs, economic and scientific actors. Civil society will be involved via a permanent forum, and existing initiatives will be networked to maximize the collective impact.
Sustainable blue economy and ecological transition
Participants insisted on the development of a sustainable blue economy, including:
- Sustainable fishing practices and fight against illicit fishing.
- Reduction of all forms of pollution at source and promotion of the circular economy.
- Acceleration of the transition to marine renewable energies.
- Protection and restoration of ecosystems, with the objective of 30 % of marine areas protected by 2030.
- Support for initiatives led by women in the blue economy.
Science, innovation and digital tools
The declaration encourages the creation of a permanent scientific forum to coordinate research and share knowledge, develop nature -based solutions and support innovative technologies. She also offers:
- The construction of a digital mediterranean twin.
- The centralization of space and marine observations data for better decision -making.
- The creation of a “Starfish Mediterranean” barometer to regularly assess the state of marine systems.
- The establishment of a free zone in Bizerte for the treatment of plastics and the development of the circular economy.
Territorial and sectoral transitions
The declaration calls for supporting transitions from economic sectors (fishing, tourism) to sustainable models, to promote social innovation and the creation of green jobs in coastal territories, to improve the management of coastal areas thanks to geographic tools and to plan resilience strategies in the face of drought.
