Background
Current levels of aridity in the Mediterranean appear to be unprecedented in the last 500 years and most climate models predict an increase in temperature and a substantial decrease in rainfall in the basin. Mediterranean representative socio-ecosystems (such as wetlands, high mountain ranges and coasts) and the services they provide are currently being negatively affected by Climate Change and, on the basis of current data, this affection is expected to increase significantly in the future.

The AdaptaMED project focuses on developing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and disseminating adaptative management measures addressed to those socio-ecosystems identified as key for the provision of, among others, soil retention, polinization, pastures, temperature regulation, water provision, prevention of forest fires and of desertification.

Main objective
The project aims to mitigate the negative effect of climate change on key ecosystem services that three iconic and representative Mediterranean natural protected areas provide to local inhabitants and their socioeconomic sector:

• a Mediterranean wetland, Doñana Nature Space (Nature & National Park and Biosphere Reserve)
• a Mediterranean high mountain range, Sierra Nevada Nature Space (N&NP and BR)
• and a subdesertic Mediterranean coastal area, Cabo de Gata Nature Park (and BR).

The project will focus on implementing adaptation measures and providing information, experience and instruments to other managers, owners and stakeholders who must face these threats.