Insights gained from these pilot sites will inform broader applications and enhance resilience across MPAs worldwide, emphasizing the adaptability of these areas to climate change.

The initiative seeks to connect local communities, scientists, and conservation leaders to transform planning and action in MPAs, ultimately fostering a more resilient ocean ecosystem.

The initiative focuses on developing essential guidance for assessing climate vulnerability and prioritizing adaptation strategies for MPAs, which are crucial for ocean conservation and biodiversity.

This project aims to provide innovative tools and guidance to address urgent climate adaptation challenges faced by coastal areas, supporting the resilience of all MPAs, not just UNESCO sites.

To kick off the initiative, two UNESCO marine World Heritage sites will serve as pilot locations: Banc d’Arguin National Park in Mauritania and Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland, Denmark.

Funded by the VELUX FOUNDATION, the initiative will create a standardized, open-access climate vulnerability assessment tool, available in both English and French for global use.

By integrating scientific knowledge with local engagement, the initiative aims to foster a sustainable and inclusive approach to ocean conservation that benefits both ecosystems and communities.

On June 13, 2025, UNESCO launched a significant initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience in marine protected areas (MPAs) during the third United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France.

With over 18,000 MPAs globally, the project underscores the importance of their adaptability to climate change for the health of ocean ecosystems.

This initiative aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and supports the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, as outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Overall, this global initiative represents a vital investment in ocean conservation, promoting a climate-resilient approach that benefits both humanity and the environment.