Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a proven Nature-based Solution that can simultaneously support biodiversity recovery, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being through sustainable fisheries. However, MPAs are often perceived as conflicting with fisheries, creating political inertia and limiting effective protection despite strong ecological, economic, and social evidence of their benefits. This conflict represents a major obstacle to addressing biodiversity loss and declining coastal fisheries, particularly for small-scale and artisanal communities. By reframing MPAs as a tool that can directly support food security, socio-economic stability, and ecosystem resilience, this project addresses a pressing biodiversity and societal challenge while contributing to international policy targets, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
