Following similar initiatives held in the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, Italian Coast Guard hosted the "1ST Mediterranean Coast Guard Services Forum" (MEDFORUM) in Genoa on 6TH and 7TH May 2009, with the support of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Various panels of experts were established to deal with topics of significant interest and enhance the debate with the involvement of participants from the floor.
The forum placed special emphasis on the humanitarian role that Coast Guards play to save lives at sea and to defend the seashore in environmental disasters, as well as addressing key issues for collective safety, with particular focus on crucial issues such as: maritime traffic monitoring, training and regional co-operation, marine environment, fisheries control and safety of life at sea.
The MEDFORUM Secretariat based in Italy will coordinate the development of the new organization and the sharing of the Action Plan presented during the forum.
