Marine and coastal ecosystem services on the science-policy-practice nexus: challenges and opportunities from 11 European case studies
January 1, 2017 - Drakou, Evangelia G.; Kermagoret, Charlene; Liquete, Camino; Ruiz-Frau, Ana; Burkhard, Kremena; Lillebo, Ana I.; van Oudenhoven, Alexander P. E.; Balle-Beganton, Johanna; Garcia Rodrigues, Joao; Nieminen, Emmi; Oinonen, Soile; Ziemba, Alex; Gissi, Elena;
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EmailJournal or Book Title: International Journal of Biodiversity Science Ecosystem Services & Management
DOI:10.1080/21513732.2017.1417330
Abstract: We compared and contrasted European case studies identify challenges and opportunitles toward the operationalization of marine and coastal ecosystem service (MCES) assessments in Europe. This work is the output of a panel convened by the Marine Working Group of the Ecosystem Services Partnership in September 2016. The MCES assessments were used to (1) address multiple policy objectives simultaneously, (2) interpret EU-wide policies to smaller scales and (3) inform local decision-making. Most of the studies did inform decision makers, but only in a few cases, the outputs were applied or informed decision-making. Significant limitations among the 11 assessments were the absence of shared understanding of the ES concept, data and knowledge gaps, difficulties in accounting for marine social-ecological systems complexity and partial stake-holder involvement. The findings of the expert panel call for continuous involvement of MCES 'end users', integrated knowledge on marine social-ecological systems, defining thresholds to MCES use and raising awareness to the general public. Such improvements at the intersection of science' policy and practice are essential starting paints toward building a stronger science foundation supporting management of European marine ecosystems.
Type of Publication: Article