Barcelona has hosted the commemorative event of the thirtieth anniversary of the signing of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution, organised by the Ministry of the Environment. In 1995, the convention was amended and amended to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Area of the Mediterranean, including the coastal zone and incorporating the principles of sustainable development.

Over the course of these thirty years, the convention and its current protocols, of which Spain is the depositary country, have become a useful tool for environmental protection through the implementation of action plans, strategies and recommendations adopted by the contracting parties (21 coastal countries and the European Union). It also plays a fundamental role as a permanent meeting place between countries of very different conditions and levels of development.

The commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention by the Ministry of the Environment is taking place in Barcelona coinciding with the celebration of the Conference on Places of Refuge organized by the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for de Mediterranean Sea, REMPEC) and the Directorate-General of the Merchant Navy, which is attended by representatives of the maritime administrations of the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.