The MPA Europe project, an ambitious initiative aiming to map optimal locations for Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in European seas, was recently present at the WCPA Europe webinar titled “The CBD target 3 (30×30) in the marine environment: priorities for marine protected areas in Europe.” This event, held on October 10th, 2023, brought together leading experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies for achieving global marine biodiversity protection goals.

Anna Maria Addamo, a member of the MPA Europe project team from Nord University, delivered a compelling session on the project’s objectives and methodologies. Her presentation “MPA Europe project: mapping optimal locations for Marine Protected Areas in European seas” highlighted the project’s innovative approach in using systematic conservation planning software to identify areas for MPAs. This approach considers a wide range of biodiversity measures, from individual species to entire ecosystems, and incorporates various environmental variables for comprehensive marine spatial planning.

The MPA Europe project’s commitment to pioneering new data-driven analyses and producing maps of optimal MPA networks prioritized for biodiversity protection and blue carbon benefits aligns seamless with the 30×30 Target set by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This target aims to protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, a critical goal in the face of escalating threats to marine ecosystems.

The webinar also fostered discussions on setting priorities for European waters in the context of the 30×30 Target. WCPA members and other participants engaged in fruitful exchanges, identifying individuals and groups eager to contribute to WCPA’s efforts in achieving this ambitious goal.

The MPA Europe project aims to play a crucial role in shaping marine spatial planning policies, by integrating cutting-edge scientific research and conservation planning.