GovernanceFounded in 1962, the CIHEAM has been devoted to the sustainable development of agriculture and fisheries, food and nutrition security and rural and coastal areas in the Mediterranean
Our prioritiesAlong with the UN Development Action Plan, our activities contribute to the development of a global, innovative and committed vision for the Mediterranean
News and eventsLearn more about CIHEAM's activities and events through the news section
Press review (Scoop.it) An eye on major challenges and solutions
Master programmesThe CIHEAM Institutes welcome students, researchers and professionals of various nationalities and offer masters programmes and short specialised courses.
Master Thesis PrizeSince 1994, the CIHEAM has been awarding an annual prize to support the research conducted by Mediterranean students in the framework of their Master of Science and to help them develop their careers.
Doctoral platformScientific diplomacy features among the CIHEAM's main missions. This is achieved by the contribution of the organisation to the production of multidisciplinary knowledge through its expertise and the implementation of collaborative research projects.
Scientific ProductionThe CIHEAM conducts various scientific projects. Its scientific production is available in the catalogues of the CIHEAM Institutes.
DevelopmentThe CIHEAM is involved in technical assistance, institutional strengthening, capacity building, post-emergency projects
ProjectsCooperation & Development projects
MediterraMediterra is the CIHEAM’s flagship publication and provides an in-depth analysis of the major challenges related to agriculture, food and rural areas in the Mediterranean.
CIHEAM's contributions to...With its rich multifaceted expertise and an extensive international network, the CIHEAM contributes to the debate of ideas by producing knowledge and conducting scientific and technical analyses.
Ministerial meetingsThrough its Ministerial meetings the CIHEAM contributes to build dialogue between Mediterranean countries on issues related to agriculture and the rural world.
Institutional partnersThe CIHEAM collaborates with other organisations and Euro-Mediterranean stakeholders to foster synergies and take joint action.
International Olive Council (IOC)
Founded in Madrid in 1959 under the auspices of the United Nations, the International Olive Council is an international intergovernmental organisation bringing together olive oil and table olives producers and consumers. On 15 July 2016 in Tunis, Mr Abdellatif Ghedira, Executive Director of the IOC and Mr Cosimo Lacirignola, the Secretary General of the CIHEAM signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen their joint activities that contribute to the sustainable development of olive growing in the Mediterranean.
Following the regional workshop on the Xylella Fastidiosa organised by the CIHEAM and the IOC in Bari in November 2016 intended to provide members of the IOC with the most updated information on this issue that is severely affecting Mediterranean olive trees, discussions were held on the setting up of an olive oil observatory and the establishment of a network for the conservation of genetic diversity.
© Elizabeth GRECH
CIHEAM- International Olive Council (IOC) Meeting
Madrid, 19 March 2018
Mr Placido Plaza, Secretary General Ad Interim of the CIHEAM, and a CIHEAM Delegation were in Madrid for a meeting with Mr A Ghedira, Executive Director of the International Olive Council (IOC) to strengthen their partnership and plan future activities.
Common actions against the Xylella Fastidiosa, collaborations on germplasm management, physicochemical analyses, tasting panels, capacity building (MSc and specialised courses) and the implementation of the Olive Oil Observatory were among the items discussed.
The meeting was also the occasion to exchange on the Mediterranean Olive Tree day.
The IOC and the CIHEAM strive to raise awareness on the role and importance of the olive tree in the Mediterranean but also on the dangers that threaten it. A symbol of peace and resilience of territories, an instrument of sustainable social and economic development, an agent of the struggle against climate change and an ally of health and nutrition, the Mediterranean olive tree will have a dedicated day, during which the CIHEAM and IOC will present their joint activities for the improvement of the olive sector in the region.
Projects conducted in partnership with the IOC: