TransParcNet Meeting 2024

Navigating Climate Change: Highlights from the TransParcNet Meeting 2024 in Northern Europe’s Arctic Regions

From 2nd to 5th September 2024, the stunning landscapes of the Háldi Transboundary Area in northern Europe set the stage for the TransParcNet Meeting. Hosted across Reisa National Park in Norway and Käsivarsi Wilderness Area in Finland, this pivotal event brought together experts, policymakers, and conservationists. Their goal was to address the urgent issue of climate change and its impact on protected areas. Thus, the topic of the event this year was – Planning for action: how to plan and react to climate change effects in Protected Areas.

Exploring the Unseen Impacts of Climate Change in the Arctic

During the meeting, participants explored the dramatic changes occurring in Arctic ecosystems due to climate change. For instance, they discussed shifts in plant communities, the encroachment of shrubs into previously treeless areas, and the drying of vital wetlands. These developments not only threaten biodiversity but also challenge current management strategies.

Innovative Strategies for Adaptation

The event featured several innovative strategies for adapting to climate change:

• Adaptive Management in Finland: Santtu Kareksela from Parks & Wildlife Finland introduced a new approach that combines spatial data models with habitat assessments. Specifically, the Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework helps prioritize conservation efforts based on habitat sensitivity. Consequently, this ensures effective resource allocation.
• Remote Sensing in Northern Lapland: Anna Tammilehto from Metsähallitus National Parks Finland discussed a remote sensing project that uses high-resolution satellite imagery. This technology allows for precise habitat classification and monitoring, thus improving conservation efforts in rapidly changing environments.
• Restoration Projects in the UK: The UK is focusing on several key restoration projects. These include restoring blanket bogs, reintroducing Eurasian beavers, and reinforcing wildcat populations. Such projects enhance carbon sequestration, support biodiversity, and mitigate flooding, which are all crucial for adapting to climate change. For more details, check out Jeremy Roberts’ video presentation here.
• Wildfire Response and Recovery in Bohemian Switzerland National Park: Following the severe wildfire of 2022, Bohemian Switzerland National Park has made significant progress. The park has created firebreaks, upgraded infrastructure, and increased staff for better fire management. Regeneration efforts are showing promising results, with substantial regrowth observed by October 2023.
• Šumava National Park’s Adaptation Efforts: At the meeting, Martin Starý reported on the adaptation efforts of Šumava and Bavarian Forest National Parks. Notable initiatives include the LIFE for Mires project, which restored wetlands to improve water retention. Additionally, the parks have enhanced flood mitigation and fire preparedness, crucial for adapting to climate change and ensuring ecosystem resilience.

The Power of Remote Sensing

A highlight of the meeting was the Northern Lapland Remote Sensing Project. This innovative project showcased how satellite technology can revolutionise habitat monitoring. With an accuracy rate of 82%, it underscores the importance of combining remote data with field observations for a comprehensive understanding of habitat conditions.

Conserving the Arctic Fox: A Success Story

Another key topic was the Arctic Fox in Fennoscandia. Conservation efforts, such as Red Fox culling and captive breeding, are yielding positive results. The growing Arctic Fox population highlights the effectiveness of cross-border conservation efforts. Feel free to give it a further read here.

Latest EU Policies on Cross-Border Cooperation

During the event, the focus also fell on the European Union’s role in advancing cross-border and regional cooperation for Protected Areas. Key policies discussed included the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and financial instruments like NDICI and IPA III, which support environmental and developmental projects. The presentation session led by The EU Commission consultant, Stefania Petrosillo,  highlighted the significance of cross-border cooperation (CBC) in tackling regional challenges and promoting sustainable development. Future collaborations with the Transboundary Conservation Specialist Group (TCSG) were explored, along with the need for ongoing synergies with international networks and adaptation to geopolitical shifts.

Join Us for Future Events

The TransParcNet Meeting 2024 set a high standard for collaboration and innovation in climate adaptation. Explore detailed presentations, report and the event film below. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the photo album capturing this significant gathering here.

If you’re passionate about preserving our natural landscapes, join us next year for the 2025 TransParcNet event. Together, we can tackle the challenges of climate change and ensure a resilient future for our Protected Areas.