Introduction

LASEMed 2025 aims to develop an index that measures, in monetary terms, the value generated by socially responsible policies and social organizations. The project also seeks to promote productive, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable projects in Agadir (Morocco) and Zgharta-Ehden (Lebanon).

To promote Mediterranean municipalities as key agents of local socio-economic development through strengthened local governance, with a focus on environmental transition and job creation for vulnerable populations.

Specific objective

1. To highlight the socio-economic value of environmentally responsible social policies at the local level in the Mediterranean region.
2. To strengthen the role of Mediterranean municipalities as drivers of territorial promotion and socially and environmentally responsible local economic development.

Main actions and expected results

The project aims to position Mediterranean municipalities as key actors in sustainable and socially responsible territorial development. To achieve this, it proposes to:

• Develop the Integrated Social Value Index (ISVI):
  Using a methodology created by GEA Accounting, the ISVI will be adapted to the local contexts of Agadir and Zgharta-Ehden. This index will allow for the calculation of the social value generated by municipal social policies and the impact of local social organizations.
• Support productive projects with high social and environmental value:
  The initiative will help consolidate or launch impactful local projects in both partner cities.
• Foster knowledge exchange and good practices among Mediterranean municipalities:
  The project will facilitate peer learning, especially with the City of El Prat de Llobregat and the Economic Promotion Services of the Barcelona Provincial Council (DIBA). Two online meetings will be organized through the LASERMED Community of Practice, created during the previous phase of the project with the previous participant cities: Zarqa, Agadir, Oujda, Sousse, Zgharta-Ehden, As-Salt.

MedCities’ role

MedCities will act as the coordinating entity of the action and will be responsible for the piloting and regular monitoring of the technical, financial, and administrative implementation of the project, as well as its monitoring and reporting following the appropriate procedures, guaranteeing smooth and effective communication with the financing entity. MedCities will also guarantee the mobilization of the actors associated with the project and will inform the services of the Provincial Council (Diputació de Barcelona) in case of deviations and/or important issues that affect the progress of the project.
On the other hand, the town councils of Agadir and Zgharta Ehden will be responsible for the identification, design, and implementation of the pilot activities, and actions that will be carried out in continuous communication with the coordinator.

SDGs aligned

LASEMed 2025 is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular:

Target 12.9 Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Target 8.3: Promote policies that support entrepreneurship, decent job creation, and the growth of micro and small enterprises.

Target 8.4: Improve global resource efficiency and promote sustainable economic growth.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Target 10.2: Empower all individuals and promote their social, economic, and political inclusion, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic status.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Target 12.9 Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production.