Policy Brief – The Contribution of Marine Protected Areas to Climate Change Adaptation, State of the Evidence and Policy Recommendations
With the completion, during UNFCCC COP26, of the last mechanisms needed to fully operationalize the Paris Agreement, the attention of climate negotiations can now fully turn towards action. The primary focus of COP27 is implementation, but it takes place in a context of deep economic turmoil and looming global recession, while the increasing impacts of climate change are creating an ever-stronger sense of urgency. More than ever, there is a risk to overfocus on solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation that can appear as potential “low-hanging fruits” while their true benefits have not yet been properly assessed. In this regard, marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly being advocated as ocean-based climate solutions, but if, and to what extent can MPAs effectively contribute to mitigation and adaptation remains controversial.
This policy brief released by the OCP and the CNRS follows the publication in One Earth of the article “Ocean conservation boosts climate change mitigation and adaptation”. It highlights the adaptation potential of MPAs that benefit both ecosystems and people, while alerting on the importance of protection levels and the involvement of communities in the designation and management process. In line with UNFCCC COP27 and CBD COP15, this policy brief advocates for better recognition of these benefits in negotiations and NDCs.
Click the image below to read the Policy Brief.
