Climate change and other human pressures are profoundly transforming marine ecosystems, altering species distributions, ecological interactions, and the connectivity patterns that underpin biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning and services’ provision. Addressing these challenges requires integrating ecological, oceanographic, climatic, socio-economic, and governance perspectives. Drawing on recent case studies, this presentation will explore how climate-informed ecological modelling, large-scale monitoring, and interdisciplinary research can support the design and management of dynamic and effective marine protected area networks. Particular attention will be also given to connectivity as a fundamental mechanism for maintaining biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and supporting adaptive conservation strategies in a rapidly changing climate. Moving beyond static protection approaches, these frameworks provide pathways for adaptive management that can respond to environmental change while safeguarding ecosystem services and supporting local communities.

The presentation will conclude with an overview of the newly launched Med4GoC project, Mediterranean Insights for Baja’s coastal future. Using the Mediterranean Sea as a natural laboratory, the project aims to generate transferable knowledge on climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable fisheries management. By fostering international collaboration, Med4GoC seeks to address shared environmental challenges across two ecologically significant marine regions (the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of California) and support evidence-based conservation and management strategies.