1

Why the project matters

Climate change severely impacts Mediterranean seagrass meadows (e.g. Posidonia oceanica) and coral reefs, crucial for biodiversity, carbon storage, and coastal protection. Rising temperatures and heatwaves cause seagrass degradation and coral bleaching and diminished resilience, while acidification and eutrophication further degrade these habitats. Restoring seagrass meadows and coral reefs is a key adaptation measure to climate change for several reasons, leveraging their roles in carbon sequestration, biodiversity support, and coastal protection. Seagrass meadows, acting as efficient carbon sinks, help mitigate climate change while offering habitats that bolster marine biodiversity and fisheries, essential for coastal communities. Coral reefs, as biodiversity hotspots, provide critical habitats for numerous marine species, supporting local economies through tourism and fisheries, and acting as natural breakwaters that protect shorelines from erosion and storm impacts. By restoring these ecosystems, it is not only possible to preserve their ecological functions but also enhance their resilience to climate change.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To restore coastal ecosystems and increase their resilience to climate-related stress.
• To support sustainable fisheries through diversification and improved food value chains.
• To strengthen local climate adaptation planning through participatory tools and governance.

3

Expected change

• Improved resilience of coral reefs and seagrass meadows in 10 pilot areas.
• Greater sustainability and adaptability in local fisheries and seafood consumption.
• Enhanced community awareness, participation, and governance in climate adaptation.

4

What the project delivers

• 3 climate adaptation pilot actions across 10 coastal areas in 4 countries.
• Early-warning system and mapping tools to monitor ecosystem stress.
• Restoration of degraded coral reefs and seagrass meadows using nature-based solutions.
• Training and technical manuals for ecosystem monitoring and restoration.
• Adaptation Plans and Local Guidelines co-developed with communities and authorities.
• Summer schools and public awareness campaigns on climate resilience.

5

Who benefits

• 100 fishers and 50 operators in small-scale fisheries adapting to new sustainable practices.
• 20 Marine Protected Area managers and 20 policymakers trained in climate-smart marine governance.
• Local communities and students engaged in education, restoration, and resilience-building activities.
• An estimated 1,000,000 people in the pilot areas positively impacted by project outcomes.