Climate Change Adaptation Toolkits
The MPA4Change Climate Change Adaptation Toolkits are the main transferable component of the project. These toolkits are validated resources on different focus areas concerning climate adaptation. They have been produced in previous Interreg Euro-MED projects and have been tested in different protected areas of the Mediterranean basin.
After going through a fine-tunning process within MPA4Change, these toolkits are now available for its use. Below you can find a summary of what each toolkit provides and what they are intended for.
Additionally, each toolkit is presented along with a dedicated Factsheet designed as stand-alone but complementary tool, that addresses a key dimension of climate adaptation in MPAs, while sharing a common logic and structure to facilitate their combined use within integrated climate adaptation planning processes.
The complete set of Factsheets is available to download through the button below:
Toolkit #1: Socio-ecological Vulnerability Assessment
This toolkit, tested across seven Mediterranean MPAs, offers a science‑based method to evaluate ecological and socio‑economic vulnerability to climate change. It uses a multidimensional socio‑ecological index that integrates vulnerability scores for habitats, species and MPA user groups, producing detailed results and overall vulnerability ratings under two CO₂ emission scenarios and two future timeframes.
The guidance helps MPAs identify priority risks, sensitive habitats and vulnerable communities, strengthening adaptation planning and informing management decisions.
Toolkit #2: Monitoring of Climate Change Effects on Biodiversity
Standardised monitoring protocols help Mediterranean MPAs track key ecological effects of climate change, including temperature shifts, species redistribution, episodic events such as mass mortalities, and phenological changes. The toolkit includes learning materials and practical tools covering data collection, analysis, interpretation and management guidance.
Fully aligned with the Barcelona Convention’s Ecosystem Approach and the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, it offers a cost‑effective, scientifically validated framework for consistent monitoring across sites. The resulting information strengthens adaptive management and supports evidence‑based decisions to address emerging climate‑related impacts in MPAs.
Toolkit #3: Ecosystem Restoration
This developing toolkit promotes ecological restoration as a valuable complement to conservation in Mediterranean MPAs, despite its current limited use in the region. It compiles guidance and practical examples to help managers actively support the recovery of degraded, damaged or destroyed marine ecosystems.
Designed as a resource for climate adaptation and Nature‑based Solutions, it assists MPAs in planning, designing and implementing effective restoration actions. The toolkit is expected to be completed in future initiatives after MPA4Change.
Toolkit #4: Citizen Science and Public Engagement
Citizen‑science protocols guide Mediterranean MPAs in involving divers, fishers and local communities in monitoring climate‑change impacts. They provide clear tools, skills and methodologies to support reliable data collection while helping participants deepen their understanding of how climate change affects marine ecosystems.
By deploying three harmonised monitoring protocols, MPAs can expand their observational capacity, improve early detection of ecological changes and strengthen the link between community engagement and adaptive management.
Toolkit #5: Participatory Approach and Stakeholder Engagement
This toolkit guides Mediterranean MPAs in applying the Quintuple Helix Participatory Approach, tested across seven pilot sites, to engage socio‑economic actors, managers, scientists, authorities and citizens. It emphasises that effective participation depends on understanding local political, cultural and institutional contexts, and is essential for long‑term support and sustainable decision‑making.
By integrating local knowledge and fostering trust, the approach helps MPAs co‑design science‑based climate adaptation and mitigation actions, strengthening collective ownership and improving the effectiveness of management responses
Toolkit #6: Adaptation Action Plan Development
This toolkit helps Mediterranean MPAs turn scientific evidence and stakeholder input into practical Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Plans (CAMPs). It guides managers in developing, updating or aligning their plans so that monitoring results, vulnerability assessments and participatory processes are translated into clear, fundable and governance‑ready actions.
By structuring climate responses in an operational way, the toolkit strengthens strategic planning and supports MPAs in implementing effective adaptation and mitigation measures.
Toolkit #7: Geographic Information Systems for MPAs
This toolkit helps Mediterranean MPAs use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a practical decision‑support tool for climate adaptation.
By integrating climate data, ecological information and human pressures, GIS supports spatial planning, monitoring and management strategies. It enables MPAs to visualise climate risks, pinpoint priority areas for action and strengthen evidence‑based decision‑making and policy alignment.
Toolkit #8: Awareness and Communication on Climate Change Challenges
This resource set provides Mediterranean MPAs with accessible communication materials to explain climate impacts, monitoring results and adaptation needs to local communities, visitors and stakeholders. Although originally developed under MPA‑ENGAGE and not updated within MPA4Change, the materials remain highly valuable for awareness and outreach.
They help translate scientific information into clear, engaging messages that support understanding, dialogue and local involvement in climate adaptation efforts
Capacity Building
MPA4Change offers capacity building solutions for climate change adaptation in Marine Protected Areas in order to ensure its long-term sustainability and resilience to climate change.
Besides the provision of Climate Change Adaptation Toolkits, MPA4Change offers a dedicated Training Programme on Climate Change Adaptation in MPAs. This programme is lead by a group of expert MPA managers with previous experience in integrating climate change adaptation strategies into their management plans. Part of this expert group has also been involved in the development of the Toolkits and its implementation in previous Interreg Euro-MED initiatives.
During the MPA4Change implementation, the Training Programme on Climate Change Adaptation in MPAs was delivered in hybrid format, including both online training and face-to-face workshops. After the MPA4Change closure, the organisation of the face-to-face workshop component will rely on future funding.
Nonetheless, the online resources of the Training Programme on Climate Change Adaptation in MPAs remain available for its utilisation in two main e-learning platforms and are free of use (subject to registration):
The European Nature Academy (EUROPARC)
This platform offers e-learning resources for Protected Area Managers on different topics and competences. You can acces the MPA4Change e-learning resources at the European Nature Academy by clicking the button below.
DAN EUROPE´s platform
This platform offers e-learning resources on citizen science for divers and companies. You can acces the MPA4Change e-learning resources at the DAN Europe platform by clicking the button below.
