MedWaves is a regional center of UNEP/MAP based in Barcelona. MedWaves evolved from two United Nations treaties: the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Formed through a collaborative agreement between the Spanish Ministry of Environment and the Government of Catalonia in 1996, MedWaves was established under the legal framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) under the Barcelona Convention, belonging to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). MedWaves offers focused expertise in several key areas: circular economy, marine litter and plastics pollution, toxic chemicals, and blue economy. Support services range from capacity building and technical assistance to the provision of advisory services and training. The centre translates the knowledge contained in policy briefs and actions plans into actual programming on the ground by implementing best practices and measures.