The BioProtect Associated Regions are part of a collaborative effort to showcase the feasibility, replicability and scalability of the jointly created area-based management decision support tools (ABM-DSF). These tools aim to reduce the impact of human activities, identify key areas for biodiversity conservation, manage and implement nature-based solutions, protect biodiversity from climate change, and build resilience adapted to each region.

The BioProtect Associated Regions are expected to engage actively in project activities, join the BioProtect Community of practice (CoP) to exchange experiences and best practices, ensuring sustainability and extension of the project’s objectives beyond its duration, and continuously receive and share outcomes and knowledge from demonstrators, along with technical assistance to develop and test the ABM-DSF in their regions.

The project’s five Demos (located Norway, Iceland, Ireland, NW Portuguese Margin, Portuguese Azores) serve as pilot sites where innovative actions and ecosystem-based management solutions are implemented, tested, and monitored. The data and experiences from the Demos are then used to inform and guide activities in the Associated Regions.

By involving Associated Regions and Demos, BioProtect aims to increase the impact and robustness and adaptability of the solutions to protect and restore biodiversity.