In the early 1970s, environmental issues did not attract much attention and were far from being a major concern. However, figures such as Bompard and Cousteau raised the alarm: the Mediterranean was dying, on the verge of suffocation, and becoming one of the largest garbage dumps in the world.

At the beginning of 1975, the “RAMOGE” lab-ship was operational, conducting systematic bacteriological analyses and various samplings in Monaco’s waters, while the French Riviera was equipping itself with its first wastewater treatment plants and sewer systems.

On February 14, 1975, French Interior Minister Mr. Poniatowski traveled to Monaco for a preparatory meeting ahead of signing the international “RAMOGE” convention. This convention aimed to implement concrete measures to protect the coastline from the harmful effects of pollution.

Together with Italian Minister of Scientific Research Mr. Pedini and Prince Rainier III, they agreed on the principles of the “RAMOGE” convention, which was inspired by the protocol signed with Switzerland for Lake Geneva. An international study commission was established to formulate action proposals, which would then be submitted to the States. Ultimately, however, it would be up to the States themselves to finance and implement the pollution control programs.

In line with the “RAMOGE” initiative, more leaders began to recognize the challenges posed by wastewater treatment, pollution caused by ships, and waste discharged into the sea within a closed maritime basin. In the Mediterranean, circular currents passing through Gibraltar, North Africa, Italy, France, and Spain ensure that everyone eventually pollutes their neighbor. Under these conditions, only agreements between the concerned States can lead to effective action.

The “RAMOGE” Commission became the first operational act that translated the good intentions expressed by Mediterranean States during the now-famous Barcelona Convention in February 1976 into concrete measures.

Over time, the agreement has evolved. In 1981, its jurisdiction was extended to territorial waters (12 nautical miles) from the mouth of the Rhône River to the Ligurian coast.

In the 1980s, RAMOGE conducted multiple analyses and bacteriological studies to assess water quality, providing the scientific data needed to justify the installation of wastewater treatment plants along the Côte d’Azur and the Italian Riviera.

Following the disaster of the Haven tanker spill in 1991, RAMOGE adopted the RAMOGEPOL intervention plan in 1993. This plan aimed to strengthen cooperation in cases of major pollution incidents and share the available ships and aircraft of the three States. This tripartite collaboration has proven its effectiveness, notably during the 2018 collision between the ro-ro vessel Ulysse and the container ship Virginia off the coast of Cap Corse, which spilled 520 tons of oil into the sea. The RAMOGEPOL plan was activated, mobilizing 41 ships and 11 aircraft from France, Italy, and Monaco. This operation successfully recovered 90% of the spilled pollutants at sea, preventing them from reaching the coastline.

In 2014, during a Mediterranean workshop in Malaga organized by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), two Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) were identified within the RAMOGE zone, covering both pelagic and benthic ecosystems. In this context, RAMOGE undertook the first identification of sites of ecological or biological significance within its area of competence, highlighting the importance of submarine canyons and deep rocky outcrops as key habitats. Based on these findings, RAMOGE initiated a series of international oceanographic campaigns involving researchers from the three signatory countries to study these habitats and gather data to guide their protection and conservation. The first campaign was conducted in 2015, followed by another in 2018 and a third in 2022. A new campaign is planned for 2025.

RAMOGE remains a recognized agreement and is regularly consulted to share its experience with other Mediterranean States seeking to develop similar sub-regional cooperation. It continues to serve as a model of cross-border collaboration, addressing issues related to biodiversity and the ecological health of the marine environment, as well as the fight against marine pollution from hydrocarbons.