Ecological toolkit (ESE 1) for MPAs prioritization and networking

Ecological toolkit (ESE 1) for MPAs prioritization and networking is developed in Task 3.3. The elements of the toolkit are: (i) advanced approaches, (ii) prioritization criteria and (iii) DSTs, all categorized by their applicability in terms of A) Purpose: MPAs establishment, enlargement, ecosystem restoration, and improvement of connectivity of MPAs including through the establishment of blue-green corridors; B) Type of protected areas: fully strict vs non-fully strict; and C) Location: coastal area vs continental shelf vs deep sea. With reference to climate change adaptation, the toolkit will include specific references to Nature-Based Solutions (e.g., protecting climate refugia, shifted feeding habitats). An inventory of tips for decision-makers will summarize the key elements of the toolkit, including the level of maturity, operability, uncertainty, suitability for use in MSP, as well as resources needed for their application such as expertise and data. It will facilitate the identification of main ecological characteristics, summarize the environmental effects of local and/or transboundary sources of pressures with underlying uncertainties, and evaluate the effectiveness of possible management measures and blue growth scenarios.