Vulnerability and adaptations to climate change in EU protected areas: a Natura 2000 managers' perspective

Abstract

The Natura 2000 (N2K) network is a key conservation instrument in the European Union, but its effectiveness is challenged by climate change. We surveyed 382 N2K managers to investigate their perceptions of climate change and related site adaptation strategies. Warming and precipitation shifts were frequently perceived as threats, with vulnerability of N2K sites highest in the Mediterranean and lowest in the Boreal region. Our results suggest that the official N2K site information stored in the Standard Data Forms greatly under-report managers assessment of vulnerability. Around half of the surveyed managers implemented adaptation strategies, which, when characterised following a Resist-Accept-Direct framework, aimed not only at resisting, but also at directing and accepting the effects of climate change. Managers also highlighted the need for scientific knowledge on local vulnerability and increased funding to improve the implementation of adaptation strategies inside protected areas.