Within its transfer programme, MPA4Change provided training on three key protocols for engaging MPA stakeholders and foster climate change adaptation in the Algarve region, Portugal.
Last November, the MPA4Change team gathered at the University of Algarve (CCMAR) to train local stakeholders in key protocols for Marine Protected Area (MPA) management, including citizen science, vulnerability assessments, and participatory approaches.
Engaging MPA stakeholders in Citizen Science
Capacity building in citizen science in Faro , Portugal- Photo by University of Algarve
The citizen science workshop brought together seven diving centers from the Algarve—Algarve Dolphin Lovers, CCMAR SciDiving, Diverscape, Divespot, Easy Divers, Openwaters, and Pura Vida Divehouse—along with 18 participants. Moderated by Massimo Casabianca (DAN Europe) and Sara Bonanomi (CNR/IRBIM), the session focused on creating a monitoring network for MPAs in collaboration with regional diving centers. Participants responded enthusiastically and plan to implement the visual census protocol in the upcoming high tourism season.
Training on Vulnerability Assessment
The vulnerability assessment workshop led by Elena Ojea and Silvia Rayo (University of Vigo) aimed to enhance training and capacity-building for this protocol in the project’s two main case study areas: the Cape Greco MPA (Cyprus) and the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park (Portugal). This session also provided a valuable opportunity to fine-tune the protocol for Atlantic waters.
Learning Participatory Approaches
Finally, the workshop on participatory approaches to MPA management, featured by Lorenzo Merotto from the Portofino MPA (Italy), facilitated discussions on different MPA management models and their role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Among the participants were representatives from the regional and national MPA management agency (ICNF), the municipalities of Silves and Lagoa, the Oceano Azul Foundation, and the NGO Sciaena. They explored ways to integrate this approach into the daily management of MPAs and shared insights on its application in Atlantic MPAs.
More information for training resources on climate change adaptaton protocols will be soon available at this website. Stay tuned and thanks for your support engaging MPA stakeholders in climate change adaptation!
