On May 28, 2025, MSP4BIO launched the first webinar of its Final Series, titled Smart Tools for Preserved Seas: The MSP4BIO Ecological Toolkit and Real-World Applications. This exclusive online event, hosted by s.Pro, brought together nearly 30 participants from European institutions, scientific bodies, and marine planning experts eager to explore the latest advancements in marine ecological planning.
At the heart of the webinar was ESE1, the first module of the MSP4BIO Ecological and Socio-Economic (ESE) Toolkit—a key output of the project. This innovative tool is designed to strengthen the science-policy interface by supporting the prioritization and climate-smart design of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). It does so by integrating enhanced ecological and climate criteria with practical guidance, structured methodologies, and state-of-the-art Decision Support Tools (DSTs).
Inside the Toolkit: Rationale, Structure, and Use
The webinar began with a deep dive into the rationale and architecture of the ESE1 module, explaining how it enables stakeholders to align ecological and management priorities. The structure of the toolkit reflects a systematic process—moving from data scoping to analysis, diagnosis, prioritization, and finally to designation of MPAs.
Special attention was given to the integration of climate change scenarios, which allow users to model the potential ecological impact of future conditions. This feature enhances the toolkit’s capacity to support the development of resilient and future-proof MPAs, making it a vital resource in the face of accelerating climate pressures.
Advancing Decision Support Tools (DSTs)
A dedicated session showcased the progress in DST development within MSP4BIO. Presenters highlighted how these tools have been refined to better reflect ecological realities, respond to user needs, and be interoperable with broader marine spatial planning platforms but also new tools have been developed such as ABC Planner. From identifying priority conservation areas to evaluating trade-offs, the DSTs serve as the operational backbone of the toolkit.
From Theory to Practice: Test Site Applications
Real-world applications were featured from three MSP4BIO test sites, where ESE1 has been trialed in diverse ecological and management contexts. These cases offered compelling evidence of how the toolkit can be tailored to local needs while maintaining scientific rigor. The test sites demonstrated how ESE1 can be used to address practical questions, inform decision-making, and contribute to more coherent and climate-smart marine spatial planning strategies.
A Stimulating Exchange
Throughout the webinar, participants engaged in insightful discussions on the opportunities and challenges of implementing such a comprehensive toolkit in policy and planning environments. Topics included technical constraints, data availability, stakeholder engagement, and strategies for scaling up the use of ESE1 across Europe.
📘 Want to learn more?
Explore the full rationale, structure, and methods behind the toolkit by reading:
- Deliverable D3.4 Ecological toolkit (ESE1) for MPAs prioritization and networking
- Deliverable D5.3: Site specific solutions for accelerating biodiversity protection and restoration in MSP
👉🏻Check the full presentation here
📺 Missed the webinar?
Watch the full recording here
Stay tuned for the next webinar in our final series, as MSP4BIO continues to bridge science and policy for a healthier, more resilient ocean.
