Photo by Nicolas Espitalier, B.Link.

News

  • Climate change adaptation
  • Marine Conservation
  • Marine Protected areas
  • Natural Heritage

MPA4Change and the 100MPA MedAlliance Awarded by the WestMed Initiative!

02/12/2025

MPA4Change is thrilled to announce being awarded with the 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗠𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, an international competition that recognises outstanding projects on Blue Economy in the Western Mediterranean.

MPA4Change – a step towards climate resilience

Photo by Joaquim Garrabou

Photo by Joaquim Garrabou

MPA4Change is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as nature-based solutions to adapt to the climate emergency, benefiting Mediterranean coastal ecosystems and communities. Through its innovative approach, it provides crucial tools for climate change adaptation, such as Vulnerability Assessment Tools, Climate Change Monitoring Protocols, participatory engagement platforms, and climate adaptation plans.

Key outputs from the project include:

  • Validated toolkits for Climate Change Adaptation in Marine Protected Areas
  • A dedicated Training Programme to build the capacity among MPA managers and stakeholders.
  • A Roster of experts to support the implementation of MPA adaptation plans in the long-term

Find more information at the MPA4Change website.

A future-proof work

One of the project’s crowning achievements is the launch of the 100MPA MedAlliance, a collaborative initiative aiming to engage 100 Mediterranean MPAs in integrating climate change adaptation strategies by the year 2030.

Recently launched, the 100MPA MedAlliance will serve as a framework for resilience through which dedicated experts will support the implementation of climate change adaptation plans.

For more information, visit the 100MPA MedAlliance website.

The WestMed Initiative

Photo by Nicolas Espitalier, B.Link

Photo by Nicolas Espitalier, B.Link

The WestMED Awards are an international competition that honours outstanding projects in the Western Mediterranean Blue Economy, showcasing innovative and replicable solutions aligned with the WestMED Initiative’s vision.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work of all the partners and associated partners of the Mediterranean, building an MPA network to enhance the resilience of Mediterranean coastal areas in view of supporting the good environmental status and sustainable use of marine ecosystems.

More information on the WestMed Initiative can be found here.

Thanks to all the supporting institutions involved in making MPA4Change and the 100MPA MedAlliance a reality!