Brussels, 07/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - In Strasbourg on Tuesday 6 July, the European Parliament (EP) gave its assent to the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (known as the Barcelona Convention). In so doing, the EP followed the recommendation of rapporteur Jo Leinen (S&D, Germany), who chairs the EP environment committee. Under the terms of the Barcelona Convention, the contracting parties must promote the integrated management of coastal zones, taking into account the protection of areas of ecological and landscape interest and the rational use of natural resources. This assent means that the Council can now conclude the protocol which sets out the objectives and general principles of integrated management of coastal zones, including the sustainable use of natural resources and the preservation of coastal ecosystems. The text also contains specific measures relating to economic activities (such as construction, tourism, fishing, aquaculture, and maritime activities) and the integrated management instruments for coastal management (environmental assessment, national strategies and follow-up mechanisms). (A.N./transl.rt)