ECA4MED, the knowledge center for the MARITIME ECAs
The ECA4MED knowledge center was conceived to support capacity building in the Mediterranean countries to implement, govern, finance, and enforce the MEDECA. The support covers legal, technical, and financial aspects and is provided through documents, seminars, courses, interviews, information on projects, initiatives, policies, regulations, funding agencies. The ECA4MED Knowledge center is the legacy of the EU Preparatory Project LIFE4MEDECA, and it will be further improved thanks to the recently approved Project LIFE4MECA – Supporting Maritime Emission Control Areas, both coordinated by the Port Network Authority. LIFE4MECA aims to support for the preparation of the implementation of Emission Control Areas for sulphur oxides (SECA) in the Mediterranean Sea and the upcoming Atlantic SECA as well as for nitrogen oxides (NECA). It is a driver to the ecological and energy transition of the port, by exploring key topics and themes based on the capacity building goals of SECA 2030, that showcase the breadth of knowledge within the community. It also drives the social transition and leaving no one behind, promoting involvement of the local communities and local businesses, citizen engagement and outreach, being co-designed and co-implemented with stakeholders. It is noted that this fits with zero pollution and decarbonisation aims, under the EU mobility strategy adopted under the EGD (European Green Deal) ambitions and is also relevant to the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters.