Cypriot Dr. Xenia I. Loizidou was appointed member of the International Compliance Committee with the actions  and obligations under the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean.

A press release of the Press and Information Office said the unanimous election of Dr. Loizidou at the International Compliance Committee for the Barcelona Convention was made by the Mediterranean Action Plan of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP/MAP).

It is considered a great success for Cyprus as this is the first time a Cypriot scientist takes part in this international committee. Dr. Loizidou’s candidacy was submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture, rural Development and the Environment through the Fisheries department, the PIO press release said.

The Ministry said that in cooperation with Dr. Loizidou, Cyprus will maintain its good record regarding the implementation of the provisions of the convention and will proceed with innovative actions to protect the marine environment of the island and the wider region.

In September 2019, Dr. Loizidou was awarded the title of ‘Ambassador of the Mediterranean Coasts 2019‘ by the United Nations Environment Programme’s PAP/RAC.

The Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution (Barcelona Convention) was adopted on 16 February 1976 by the Conference of Plenipotentiaries of the Coastal States of the Mediterranean Region for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea, held in Barcelona, in conjunction with two Protocols addressing the prevention of pollution by dumping from ships and aircraft and cooperation in combating pollution in cases of emergency.