The International Partnership on MPAs, Biodiversity and Climate Change (IPMPABCC) hosted an online event in the Virtual Ocean Pavillion during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) 30 in Brazil on the 18th of November 2025.
The event explored how climate considerations can be integrated into planning and management of marine protected areas (MPAs), accelerating the translation of science into policy action.
The event featured presentations on the IPMPABCC’s recent publication, global case studies, and a multi‑expert panel discussion, highlighting the value of international collaboration and knowledge sharing in addressing the climate crisis.
Watch the full event
Full recording available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2b4vyTrxOc
Guidance report and case studies
Lauren Wenzel introduced the Partnership’s 2025 report Establishing MPAs in a Changing Climate, which outlines key tools for MPA managers and four principles for climate‑resilient MPA planning. The report is supported by global case studies demonstrating how climate information, community engagement, and adaptive management can strengthen MPA resilience.
Expert panel
The event concluded with a panel of specialists from across regions and disciplines, who discussed challenges, evidence gaps, and opportunities for collaboration. Panellists emphasised the urgent need to integrate climate considerations into MPA design and management. They discussed how expertise gained from global MPA networks can be applied in wider context, via the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and the importance of global partnerships in achieving biodiversity and climate goals, including progress toward 30×30 targets.