The initiative has made it possible to develop an innovative methodology for the integration of adaptive management to climate change in planning and management instruments of Natura 2000 Network sites catalogued as SPAs by lesser kestrel colonies.

The project has aimed to integrate adaptive management to climate change into the planning instruments of SPAs (Special Protection Area for Birds) of the Natura 2000 Network with the presence of colonies of lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni). This SOSTENEX initiative, which has had the support of the Biodiversity Foundation through its call for grants, aimed to guarantee the conservation of the species with a practical application of results in two SPAs in Extremadura.

The specific objectives of the project ‘Methodological proposal for adaptive management of SPAs due to climate change by lesser kestrel colonies’ have been to improve knowledge of the risk, environmental impact and vulnerability to climate change of SPAs due to the presence of lesser kestrel colonies and to identify measures to improve the capacity of these SPAs to adapt to climate change. Another objective has been to publicise the results of the initiative for its implementation in management instruments of SPA areas of the Natura 2000 Network by colonies of lesser kestrel.

The initiative has made it possible to develop an innovative methodology for the integration of adaptive management to climate changeor in planning and management instruments of Natura 2000 Network sites catalogued as SPAs by lesser kestrel colonies. Everything has been achieved based on the risk analysis of the species and the possible adaptation measures investigated, in order to improve or maintain the conservation status of the species in the medium and long term, while also avoiding the negative effects of climate change on its populations.

Within the framework of the project , a study of risks, environmental impact and vulnerability to climate change of the SPAs due to the presence of colonies of lesser kestrel has been carried out, identifying seven risks and eight vulnerable aspects.

In addition, an adaptive management plan for the species in the face of climate change has been drawn up, a series of measures have been established, some related to critical aspects, and a methodological manual for the integration of adaptive management to Climate Change in planning and management instruments of RN2000 sites catalogued as SPAs by Lesser Kestrel Colonies.

With regard to dissemination actions, the project has had a website and has been disseminated on social networks.

The results of the initiative have been sent to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, the Spanish Office for Climate Change and the Spanish Office for Climate Change, as well as to environmental associations, professional associations and project managers.