Monitoring Climate-related responses in Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas and beyond: Five standard protocols

Abstract

This series of standard protocols provides a practical guidance to track climate-related impacts in Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and beyond. The guiding principles and architecture of these tools respond to the requirements of the Ecosystem Approach undertaken under the auspices of UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention, with the ultimate objective of achieving the Good Environmental Status (GES) of the Mediterranean Sea and Coasts. Technically these tools are inspired to the concept of Essential Climate Variables and focus on a restricted set of simple measurements to capture greater dimensions of environmental change. Indicators have been chosen on the basis of their scientific relevance, feasibility and cost effectiveness. The engagement of local stakeholders is another key ingredient in some of these methodologies. Adopting these protocols, allow participants to join to a common and consolidated strategy to track climate change effects. This will improve, complement or extend the ongoing monitoring initiatives in the different Mediterranean countries. Mediterranean MPAs as long-term designations can play a primary role in providing a systematic and harmonized observation system, translating principles already consolidated in the political framework, to the real world. The resulting outputs are key information to support mitigation strategies and effective adaptation plans