MPAs are valuable tools to effectively address major sustainable development challenges and to participate in the implementation of major international agreements, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular Goal 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development), the Paris Climate Agreement, the Barcelona Convention for a coherent network of MPAs in the Mediterranean, and the Aichi Target 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
They safeguard fragile species and ecosystems, provide economic and cultural resources, protect coastlines and help combat the effects of climate change!