THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
The Mediterranean sea is a fabulous heritage for all the people living around the Mediterranean basin, and the cradle of humanity. Birthplace of many civilisations and a trade road through the ages, her socioeconomic role is still very strong for maritime trade, professional fishing and recreation and tourist activities.
It’s a maritime biodiversity hot spot with no fewer than 17,000 animal and plant species listed – around 9% of all the maritime biodiversity on earth in less than 1% of the whole ocean surface.
Its ecological richness is an attractive major factor, despite the impact of various forms of pollution on the species and the environment: habitat reduction and degradation, fishing damage, climate change and various types of pollutants (for example pesticides, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, detergents, water treatment plant disposals and solid waste).
Aware of the richness and the fragility of the Mediterranean sea, Expedition Med wishes to contribute to its protection through scientific and pedagogic programme frameworks. The Mediterranean sea is really in danger if we do nothing!
