LIFE Adapting participatory management to the challenges of climate change: collective learning, support and implementation in Biosphere Reserves

Introduction

The LIFE Biospher'Adapt project is an experiment aimed at planning, implementing, and supporting a collective adaptation in response to climate change in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

Methodology Development

The LIFE Biospher'Adapt project builds on the methodology developed for nature reserves from the LIFE Natur'Adapt project (led by Réserves Naturelles de France - RNF) to produce a new methodology adapted to Biosphere Reserves. These reserves are larger, populated regions committed to implementing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and improving the relationship between humans and nature.

Pilot Areas

This project will have 8 pilot areas:

1. 7 Biosphere Reserves
2. 1 candidate Biosphere Reserve

All will be involved in producing a Climate Change Adaptation Plan. These pilot areas include sites with a great diversity of natural and cultural richness, and each shares a similar complexity regarding interactions among locals.

Adaptation Strategy

Based on prospective climate analysis and a vulnerability diagnosis, each Biosphere Reserve will produce its own adaptation strategy accompanied by a series of experimental actions to implement. The Adaptation Plan will be transferable to any inhabited natural area to improve its resilience in the face of climate change.

Implementation Actions

Actions to implement this Adaptation Plan will be encouraged through:

• Public engagement
• Participatory processes
• Support for managers
• Training for socio-professional actors
• Awareness-raising for policymakers

Project Coordination

Steered by MAB France, coordinator of the national network of Biosphere Reserves, and supported by RNF, the project will be developed for 5 years (2024-2029) around 3 axes:

1. Developing and testing a methodology for Biosphere Reserves to draw up climate change adaptation plans
2. Supporting and mobilizing local stakeholders and citizens in adapting to climate change through territorial concertation
3. Experimenting with measures to adapt to climate change

Dissemination of Results

The various tools and methods used, as well as their results, will be disseminated on a national and international level.