Marseilles was selected in 2006 as Lead City in implementing the “Euro-Mediterranean Coastal Planning Projects” (PACEM).
The project, designed over 36 months, started on 15 January 2007. It benefits from a European subsidy of EUR 620 000 and unites, around Marseilles, the cities of Rabat (Morocco), Gdansk, (Poland) and the Urban Community of Al-Fayhaa (Lebanon).
The first aim is to strengthen cooperation between consortium partners by building upon specific projects, within the framework of lasting local development of the MEDA-city coastline (Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Palestinian Territories, Israel, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco).
Marseille Mission Europe draws upon the technical expertise of City of Marseilles agencies and has also brought in a number of partners: the Euro-Mediterranean Public Establishment, the French Bureau for the Seas, the Rhône Méditerranée Corsica Water Agency, ONIDO and the Anima Network. The aim is to promote urban modernisation by: creating activity, conserving the environment, promote heritage and develop tourism.
An opening conference, under the aegis of the City of Marseille and attended by partners in Morocco, Lebanon and Poland, was held in Marseilles from 22 to 25 January 2007.
On 12-13 March 2007, the European Commission inaugurated the MED-PACT Programme by inviting all of the project owners selected for the initiative to Brussels. The event offered them the opportunity to meet with the European leaders in charge of the said programme, as well as make contact with the Mediterranean leaders responsible for other projects. Right in line with the timeline set out for PACEM, the first diagnostic missions were carried out, on site, in Southern partner countries.
1st Mission in Rabat in 2007
During the first diagnostic mission, which took place in Rabat from 20-23 March, various aspects of coastal engineering and sustainable development were largely explored.
This first contact made it possible to identify information and share experiences on-site. The mission offered the opportunity for on-site visits, interviews with various municipal, association-based or political managers and document collection, with the significant cooperation of our partners in the project and, in particular, the international task force to the municipality of Rabat.
The following week, a Marseilles-based delegation went to Tripoli (Lebanon).
1st Review by the European Commission
On 20 June, a meeting was held with the European Commission review officer for the MED-PACT Programme, as part of the technical assistance mission to project owners.
2nd mission, in Rabat, November 2007
Representatives from DGUH, DGST, MME, the Water Agency and the Bureau for the Seas went to Rabat (co-leader and partner) to finalise the diagnostic statement and prepare the training seminar. The mission was also an opportunity to bring in a new partner and associate to the City of Rabat, with the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment.
3rd Mission, in Rabat, in January 2008
Annual meeting in Marseilles and co-leader with the Representation of the European Commission, for a progress report on the project
PACEM Project Web site
The period just completed saw website construction continue; this is currently being completed.
Reviews
Marseille produced a 2007 Activity Report and Financial Review. The Auditor certified the accounts put forth by the City of Marseilles for the first year of the project.
2nd Steering Committee Meeting
The project’s partners met for the second Steering Committee, held in Gdansk in April 2008. The Technical Monitoring Group meeting immediately thereafter was used to schedule the activities to be carried out in 2008.
Meeting in Brussels in 2008
The 9 MED-PACT programme leaders met in Brussels for a meeting and mid-way programme review.
New Partner
After the Egyptian partner dropped out, Marseilles sought out a new MEDA partner to join the consortium. Discussions with the City of Akaba (Jordan), which borders the Red Sea, appear to have made good headway.
21 – 25 July Diagnostic Mission in Tripoli
The mission initially scheduled for late-June was postponed from 21 to 25 July 2008. It was used to finalise the diagnostic statement and specifications on the study to be carried out. The delegation was composed of Marseille Mission Europe, the Shared Quality of Living Authority, Technical Services Authority and the Bureau for the Seas.
4 - 5 August Training Session
Marseille held a training seminar dedicated to "Beach Management", steered by the Water Activities and Beaches Authority, with the presence of technicians from Gdansk and Tripoli.
30/11 – 3/12 2008 Training Seminar
The City of Rabat is holding a training seminar dedicated to land planning and protection for beaches. Technicians from the cities of Gdansk, Marseilles and Tripoli will participate.
On this occasion, the City of Marseilles will donate ten drifters and one safety boat.