Blue Pangolin Consulting conducted a scoping study to identify and map priority areas for Highly and Fully Protected Areas (HFPAs) in the Mediterranean Sea, supporting the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Programme’s regional strategy. The study evaluated more than 70 metrics across ecological, political, and socio-economic dimensions to develop a spatial understanding of potential sites for enhanced marine protection. By integrating data on biodiversity hotspots, existing protection levels, threats, governance capacity, and migratory connectivity, the project identified strategic areas where protection efforts could be scaled or strengthened through the production of complex spatial maps of threats, areas of protection, and areas of opportunity. The findings aim to guide PBOL’s regional focus and inform broader advocacy and designation processes
Main Deliverables:
- Development of a multi-criteria spatial analysis framework
- Mapping of HFPA opportunity areas using 70+ thematic indicators
- Integration of ecological connectivity, threat layers, and governance context
- Production of a strategic internal report to guide PBOL investment
- Spatial maps of areas of opportunity
