Looking Through the COVID-19 Window of Opportunity: Future Scenarios Arising From the COVID-19 Pandemic Across Five Case Study Sites

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused (and continues to cause) severe disruption in global and local economies forced countries, societies, individuals adapt quickly the unprecedented unpredictable situations. Despite obvious negative consequences of pandemic, many have called for efforts identify transformative opportunities sustainable development throughout this disorderly time. In present paper, we explore such potential context an interdisciplinary, international research project, which is focusing on marine management biosphere reserves parks Southeast Asia. During a virtual workshop conducted as part GCRF (Government’s Global Challenges Research Fund) Blue Communities Project, future scenarios were developed depicting effects five case study sites. All these sites are areas internationally recognized outstanding ecological value (Taka Bonerate Kepulauan-Selayar Biosphere Reserve, Indonesia; Tun Mustapha Park, Sabah, Malaysia; Palawan Philippines; North Devon United Kingdom; Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An Vietnam). At macro-level, economies, governance structures, societal norms undergoing big changes. micro-level, livelihoods, lifestyles, backyards residents adapt. Collaboratively, explored how posed challenges our sites, but also focused COVID-19-related windows opportunity development. Opportunities could be identified all three pillars development: environment, society, economy. Although remarkable similarities can found across conclude that there cannot “one-size-fits-all” solution turn tide toward achieving Just before starts with engaging understanding environments, challenges, situations; building knowledge; developing tailor-made solutions communities situ .