I. SYRIA I.1. COUNTRY CHARACTERISTICS. Country reports

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1 Country reports I. SYRIA Disclaimer This document has not been adopted by the European Commission and should therefore not be relied upon as a statement of the European Commission. The purpose of this document is merely to provide a comprehensive overview based on available information without claiming to be exhaustive. Although stakeholder consultation has taken place to verify the collected information, it is possible that this document does not reflect the view of all stakeholders involved. This document has been updated until February This country report provides a comprehensive overview and assessment of the current state-of-play with regard to Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) in Syria 1. After detailing Syria s country characteristics, its most important maritime activities are presented. Next, the country report discusses the legal aspects, key players, plans and projects related to Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and MSP as well as the relevant international initiatives and platforms for cooperation. To conclude, the main findings related to Maritime Spatial Planning are summed up. The sources of information used and persons contacted are listed at the end. I.1. COUNTRY CHARACTERISTICS Syria is situated in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Syria has maritime boundaries with Turkey, Cyprus and Lebanon. The country is divided into fourteen governorates, of which two are located along the coast, namely Latakia governorate and Tartus governorate. Table 1 summarises the main country characteristics. 1 For the purpose of this study 20 country reports have been drawn up in total. Relevant available information on Monaco is included in the case study of the Western Mediterranean and information on the United Kingdom (Gibraltar) is included in the case study of the Alboran Sea. European Commission study - 1-

2 Exploring the potential of maritime spatial planning in the Mediterranean The coastline of Syria measures 183 km. The country previously claimed a territorial sea of 35 nautical miles which did not correspond to international law as reflected in the UNCLOS. This claim was abandoned and replaced by a claim of 12 nm. The claim for the contiguous zone was also changed into a claim of 24 nm (including 12 nm territorial sea) 2. Furthermore, Syria claimed an 3 Exclusive Economic Zone. More information can be found in Table 1. Table 1 : Country characteristics Syria Syria Coastal regions * Latakia and Tartous Coastline length ** 183 km Water depth / Maritime zones ** Territorial sea *** Breadth 12 nm Contiguous zone **** 24 nm / Exclusive Economic Zone Median line / * Syria is divided into governorates and districts; the two coastal governorates are Latakia and Tartus ** Based on national acts or decrees of the maritime zones (see Annex I) *** Source: EarthTrends, 2003, Searchable database Syrian Arab Republic **** Source: CIA, The World Factbook Area (km²) Source: Policy Research Corporation I.2. MARITIME ACTIVITIES AND THE PROTECTION OF MARINE AREAS In the last century, the Syrian coast witnessed the development of large maritime facilities including the Banias oil terminal, the commercial sea port of Latakia and the commercial sea port and oil terminal of Tartous. However, overall there are still relatively few human maritime activities, especially along the northern Syrian coast. In addition, there are no signs of a specific policy to launch 4 a new wave of industrialisation in the coastal zone. With regard to the marine environment, Syria s continental shelf is naturally characterised by low bioproductivity due to the high salinity of the coastal water, relatively low freshwater inputs, a slow sea current and a low tidal level. Furthermore, a high degree of pollution of the coastal and marine environment puts pressure on the future of fisheries in the coastal zone of Syria. The strongest impact Law No. 28 of December 2003, Internal Waters and Territorial Sea Limits Although Syria did not ratify the UNCLOS, Syria can claim an EEZ; jurisprudence has long accepted that the concept of an EEZ is part of customary international law; source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of February 10, UNEP/MAP, METAP SMAP III, 2008, Towards a Strategy for Syria s Coast ICZM Policy Background European Commission study

3 Country reports of human activities on the marine environment is water pollution, mainly caused by untreated wastewater discharges originating from the cities. According to the Network of Managers of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean (MedPAN), three Marine Protected Areas have been defined in Syria s territorial sea with a total size of about 5 50 km²; these are (1) Fanar Ibn Hani, (2) Om al Toyour and (3) Ras El Bassit. In December 2004, national and international experts proposed a number of additional Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the framework of the Regional Project for the Development of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Region (MedMPA). The project was co-financed by UNEP-MAP. These areas were: The northern coast, dominated by Ras Samra: the potential of a cross-border Marine Protected Area in terms of biodiversity was considered as high, particularly as regards the monk seal, marine turtles and cetaceans; The sector lying between Um Tiur and Ras El Bassit: limited interests in terms of marine biodiversity as such but identified as an area of great landscape interest (e.g. rocky cliffs, underwater caves); the land sector is already protected since 1999 and there is a potential for turtle nesting beaches at certain places; The sector lying between Ras Ibn Hani and Borg Islam: the MPA Ibn Hani is already a protected area (since 2000, 10 km²) rich in marine biodiversity and marine turtles; the proposal included the creation of an additional MPA around Borg Islam and the connection of both MPAs in case this would be feasible in the light of human activities. It is unclear whether these proposals have been followed up; in any case, they have not yet been 6 identified as MPA by MedPAN or the World Database on Protected Areas. In Figure 1, the established as well as proposed Marine Protected Areas in Syria are visualised. 5 The international recognition of the areas Fanar Ibn Hani and Ras El Bassit is not available; the marine area Om al Toyour (=Um Tiur) is recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA); IBA s are designated by BirdLife, a global partnership of conservation organisations, that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity. 6 European Commission study - 3-

4 Exploring the potential of maritime spatial planning in the Mediterranean Figure 1: Marine Protected Areas Syria Established Marine Protected Areas Proposed Marine Protected Areas Source: Policy Research Corporation based on the Network of Managers of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean, and RAC/SPA, 2004, Regional Project for the Development of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Region (MedMPA) Recommendations for the elaboration of a national plan to develop marine protected areas in Syria In 2009, a series of training workshops on the management and planning of Marine Protected Areas was organised by UICN in partnership with the Syrian Ministry of Environment. The workshops were conducted primarily for Syrian biodiversity experts in order to activate their role in the planning and management processes for Marine Protected Areas. I.3. LEGAL ASPECTS AND KEY PLAYERS In Syria, an integrated legislative and managerial base covering the entire coast does not exist. Hence, sectoral legislation and management dominates. So far, national nor regional authorities are dealing with Maritime Spatial Planning. The most relevant authorities as regards maritime policy, spatial planning and the management of the coastal zone are: Ministry of Local Administration and Environment; Directorate of Ports - Ministry of Transportation; State Planning Commission (The central planning authority of the country) European Commission study

5 Country reports I.4. NATIONAL AND SUB-NATIONAL PLANS, PROJECTS AND STUDIES RELATED TO ICZM AND MSP In the context of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Syria, the following actions are relevant: CAMP Syrian Coastal Region ( ); ICZM Policy Brief Towards a Strategy for Syria s coast (2008). a/ CAMP Syrian Coastal Region ( ) The high degree of coastal and marine pollution resulting from urban and industrial development led to the development of a Coastal Area Management Programme (CAMP) for Syria in This attempt for an integrated management of the coastal region, supported by UNEP-MAP and Syrian authorities, was mainly focused on the inland coastal strip. The programme ended in Table 2 presents an overview of the main results. Table 2: Overview CAMP Syrian Coastal Region Area covered: Main results: The entire coastal area of Syria (183 km coastline) Policy recommendations regarding the protection of freshwater resources including among others the establishment of sanitary protection zones around water-works and establishment of proper waste treatment practices and technologies A number of immediate actions have been proposed related to sand extraction from dunes, illegal construction, protection of the coastal strip and wetlands Land-use planning policies were formulated; a detailed land-use and urban development scheme was elaborated; both planning policies were accepted A high level inter-ministerial committee for coastal management was established to secure integration of development policies and decisions A Freshwater Protection Plan and Integrated Coastal Resource Management Plan were developed The gradual implementation of structural measures regarding liquid and solid waste management, giving priority to large urban settlements Project funding: Timeframe: Funding provided by UNEP-MAP Source: Policy Research Corporation based PAP/RAC, the Mediterranean ICAM Clearing House, and PAP/RAC, the Coastal Management Centre, b/ ICZM Policy Brief Towards a Strategy for Syria s coast (2008) In 2008 an ICZM Policy Brief Towards a Strategy for Syria s coast was developed in the framework of the SMAP programme 7 as a first step to achieve a sustainable development strategy for Syria s coast called Coast SMAP (Short and Medium-term Priority Environmental Action Programme) is a framework programme of action for the protection of the Mediterranean environment, within the context of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership; the programme was supported by the European Commission, DG Environment between 1995 and European Commission study - 5-

6 Exploring the potential of maritime spatial planning in the Mediterranean The main conclusions of the policy brief are: A strategic integrated approach to spatial planning of the coastal area is still absent; lack of scientific data, reliable statistics along with inadequate identification or diagnosis of problems weakens planning in general; Low level of environmental awareness by both the public and the administrations, although the country faces a high degree of pollution; Undervaluation of the coastal zone; Low degree of public participation in policy making, including social and academic sensitivity to coastal issues. I.5. INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES RELATED TO ICZM AND MSP International initiatives (including EU-funded projects) related to ICZM and MSP in the Mediterranean Sea basin are presented in Annex II of the final report. Syria was/is involved in the following EU-funded projects: The CoLD project (Lebanon and Syria); The SAFEMED project (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordanian, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey). Syria ratified the ICZM Protocol of the Barcelona Convention in November I.6. MAIN FINDINGS RELEVANT FOR MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING The main findings with respect to the potential for the application of Maritime Spatial Planning in Syria are: Country characteristics and maritime activities: Syria is mainly considered an inland country ; overall there are still few human maritime activities, especially along the northern Syrian coast; there are no particular signs of a specific policy to launch a new wave of industrialisation in the coastal zone; There is a low level of environmental awareness with both the public and the national / regional administrations; maritime ecosystems as well as the fishing sector are threatened by a high degree of pollution; nevertheless, additional MPAs have been proposed in 2004 and recently (in 2009) Syrian biodiversity experts participated in a series of workshops on MPA management and planning, which were conducted by the IUCN in partnership with the Syrian Ministry of Environment. Current status of Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Maritime Spatial Planning: A strategic integrated approach to spatial planning of the coastal area is lacking; European Commission study

7 Country reports Concrete efforts to develop ICZM date back to 1994; Based on Syria s ICZM Policy Brief (2008), it can be concluded that Syria seems to have less potential for the application of MSP in the Mediterranean Sea basin. European Commission study - 7-

8 Exploring the potential of maritime spatial planning in the Mediterranean I.7. OVERVIEW OF SOURCES OF INFORMATION USED AND PERSONS CONTACTED a/ Sources of information used: EarthTrends, 2003, Searchable database Syrian Arab Republic; Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, FAO, 2007, Fishery Country Profile Syrian Arab Republic; PAP/RAC, CAMP Syrian Coastal region; PAP/RAC, 2008, Report on the National Workshop to Promote Syria s ICZM Policy Brief; PAP/RAC, the Coastal Management Centre, PAP/RAC, the Mediterranean ICAM Clearing House, about_ch.asp; RAC/SPA, 2004, Regional Project for the Development of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Region (MedMPA) Recommendations for the elaboration of a national plan to develop marine protected areas in Syria; Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of February 10, 2010; The Network of Managers of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean, UNEP/MAP, METAP SMAP III, 2008, Towards a Strategy for Syria s Coast ICZM Policy Background; VLIZ, 2009, Maritime Boundaries Geodatabase, version X, available online at consulted on ; World database on protected areas, b/ Persons contacted: Reem Abed Rabboh, Ministry of Local Administration and Environment; Hanan Al-Badawi, State Planning Commission; Sahar Issa, Governate of Latakia, Directorate of Planning. Syrian authorities have provided feedback on a draft version of the country report European Commission study