The global effects of climate change for the coming decades are now a harsh certainty. The North of Portugal will have to deal with problems related to an increase in the frequency of extreme events, more significant droughts, and rising sea levels. With this current climate emergency, communities need to develop response strategies. In the specific case of protected areas, nature tourism is used as a development strategy, as it enhances the conservation and sustainable development of local communities. The CLICTOUR project was born from this need, and its main objective is to support the development of climate change resilient tourism in the protected areas of Northern Portugal. CLICTOUR articulates two lines of research, one focused on the socioeconomic development of tourism and for tourism, under the effects of climate change (RL1- Socioeconomic wheels), and the other more physical and connected to the natural geographical space (RL2- Geospatial integration in tourism). The scientific outcomes of the project include a regional tourism model, maps and statistical data on tourism and climate change, a climate change risk model, adaptation strategies and case studies, and an overall tourism adaptation roadmap. The research work is carried out in strong liaison with three natural protected areas – the National Park of Peneda-Gerês, the Natural Park of Alvão, and the Natural Park of Litoral Norte.

Website: www.clictour.pt