At the end of a four-day conference of the Mediterranean Action Plangroup, held in the Slovenian Adriatic resort of Portoroz, the representatives adopted a declaration on ending certain forms of sea pollution within set time limits.

"Strengthening cooperation between the MAP and the EU over the parallel target of reducing or eliminating pollution by 2020 or 2025 was achieved," MAP spokesman Baher Kamal told AFP.

Co-operation would be practical, since each party will use its own expertise in reducing pollution, Kamal added.

The MAP-EU agreement is aimed at unifying efforts by MAP, founded in 1975, and the EU's Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.

"By joining forces, the European Commission and MAP will be more effective in pursuing our shared objective of promoting a positive environmental and sustainable approach to development throughout the Mediterranean region," said Soledad Blanco from the European Commission's environment directorate.

As well as general moves to promote sustainable development and limit pollution in the region, the conference also called for urgent action to save the Mediterranean Monk Seal, of which fewer than 500 remain.

MAP group members are; Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, the European Union, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey.

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