The Horizon 2020 Initiative (H2020)
The H2020 Initiative is a broad collaborative effort, under the auspices of the European Commission and the UfM, aiming to tackle the primary sources of Mediterranean pollution. The initiative operates in the framework of existing institutions, initiatives, and results, filling gaps where it could bring added value. It has a governance scheme, which includes a Steering Group and three working groups addressing Investments for Pollution Reduction and Prevention, Capacity Building, and Review and Monitoring.
Partners
The European Commission, Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), United National Environment Programme/Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), the Barcelona Convention, Mediterranean Commission for Sustainable Development (MCSD), European Investment Bank (EIB), European Environment Agency (EEA), and various other stakeholders such as IGOs, IFIs, NGOs, local authorities, and the private sector.
Region / Country
The Mediterranean region, involving 21 countries that share a coastline of 46,000 km.
Objectives
The Horizon 2020 Initiative aims to substantially reduce pollution in the Mediterranean by the year 2020 by tackling the sources of pollution that account for around 80% of the overall pollution of the Mediterranean Sea: municipal waste, urban wastewater, and industrial pollution. It also aims to enhance sustainable development by promoting capacity building and facilitating research and innovation.
Timeline
From – To 2006 – 2020
Outcomes
The project aims to reduce pollution, build capacities, and promote sustainable development across the Mediterranean region. The mid-term review process culminated in a work programme for the 2015-2020 phase with a broader scope, more focus on pollution prevention, an emphasis on green economy principles, identification and prioritization of specific actions, and a commitment to legislative implementation and enforcement.
Publications/website/portal
The official website of the Horizon 2020 Initiative can be found at https://www.h2020.net.
Relevance to SDGs
The H2020 Initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, it aligns with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), as the project aims to reduce water pollution, promote sustainable urban development, encourage responsible consumption and production, address climate change, and protect and restore marine resources. By working towards these goals, the H2020 Initiative contributes significantly to the global effort to achieve the SDGs.
