MPA Engage
(Interreg MED programme, 5216 | 5MED18_3.2_M23_007)
Engaging Mediterranean key actors in Ecosystem Approach to manage Marine Protected Areas to face Climate Change
Period: 11/2019 – 06/2022
Coordinating Beneficiary: CSIC-Institute of Marine Science (Spain)
Associated Beneficiaries: Portofino MPA, Brijuni National Park, Calanques National Park, Marche Polytechnic University, Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, National Marine Park of Zakynthos, Cap de Creus Natural Park, Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo MPA, Autonomous Community of Catalonia, Regional Administration of Liguria, MIO-ECSDE, Vigo University, Association for Protection of Aquatic Wildlife of Albania APAWA, DAN Europe
The MPA Engage project, generated from the experience gained with the MPA-ADAPT project (also co-financed by the Interreg-MED programme), aims to transform Marine Protected Areas into “laboratories” for studying climate change. In particular, through the development of standard monitoring protocols, the project makes it possible to accurately assess the impacts of climate change in 7 marine protected areas of 6 Mediterranean countries, identifying vulnerabilities and developing mitigation strategies and adaptation plans, both from ecological and socio-economic point of view. Among the objectives of the project, there is also the involvement of ordinary citizens and fishermen and local, regional and international administrators in monitoring activities, as well as the development of an information and awareness campaign through exhibitions, festivals, videos, information sheets, photography contests.