AFD strengthens its support for the RESCOM project for the preservation of coastal ecosystems in the Mediterranean by granting an additional €2 million
Press release
Nice, 10 juin 2025 – On the occasion of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), the French Development Agency (AFD) will sign a financing agreement with the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium in [location] on [date]. Through this agreement, AFD is providing additional financial support of €2 million to the RESCOM project, extending its deployment in North Africa until 2029. This contribution demonstrates AFD’s renewed commitment to preserving Mediterranean coastal ecosystems and improving the well-being of local communities.
Strengthened commitment to Mediterranean coastal ecosystems
Already supported by the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) and the MAVA Foundation, RESCOM aims to strengthen the resilience of natural areas around the Mediterranean. The project uses Nature-based Solutions (NBS) to conserve, restore, and improve the ecological functioning of essential habitats such as forests, wetlands, seagrass beds, dunes, and island and marine ecosystems.
Enhanced regional dynamics
In a context where the Mediterranean coastline is under increasing pressure from human activities, overexploitation of natural resources and the impacts of climate change, the RESCOM project focuses on an integrated territorial approach. Through training, experience sharing, and technical and institutional support, it is being implemented locally in six countries: Albania, Morocco, Montenegro, Tunisia, Turkey, and Italy, in direct collaboration with natural site managers and local stakeholders. Thanks to additional support from AFD, the forthcoming expected integration of Egypt and Libya will amplify this regional dynamic and strengthen the coherence and impact of actions carried out in the Mediterranean basin.
A consortium of experts serving biodiversity
The Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium, which brings together MedWet, the PIM Initiative, AIFM, Tour du Valat, MedPAN, IUCN Med, the Conservatoire du littoral and WWF France, combines the expertise, experience and networks of its members. Together, these organizations work to provide integrated, adaptive, and effective solutions to the major ecological and social challenges affecting the Mediterranean coastal areas.
About Agence Française de Développement
Agence Française de Développement (AFD) helps advance France’s policy on sustainable investment and international solidarity. Through its public sector and NGO financing operations, research and publications (Éditions AFD), sustainable development training programs (AFD Group Campus) and awareness-raising activities in France, AFD finances, supports and drives the transition to a fairer, more resilient world.
Alongside our partners, we provide sustainable solutions for—and with—communities. Our teams are working on over 2,700 projects in the field, in over 115 countries, including France’s overseas departments and territories, to support projects for the climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality and global health. Together with Proparco and Expertise France, AFD supports the commitment of France and the French people to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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