2.4.2 Recommendations for Ecosystem Services Assessment and Valuation

Local managers found that their understanding of Ecosystem Services Assessment issues, and the range of perceptions regarding these, was significantly enhanced through the adoption of this approach.

The VALMER project has left a significant legacy, not just in producing a wealth of results and data, but also with regard to improving understanding of Ecosystem Services Assessment by academics, managers and stakeholders alike.

Through enabling discussion and shared learning between stakeholders and with the wider academic community, the long term interactions of these groups have noticeably improved.

In addition, in some cases the stakeholders have become more organised, for example through the formation of user groups and improved interaction with site managers.

Ecosystem Services Assessment has proved a valuable vehicle for academic, managerial and communicative development across a broad range of case study sites and stakeholders.

Seven key lessons were learned for devising Ecosystem Services Assessments in practice:

Lesson learned 1

• A structured approach supports effective Ecosystem Services Assessment

Lesson learned 2

• The relevant assessment method depends on the context of use

Lesson learned 3

• Ecosystem Services Assessment requires effective interdisciplinary research

Lesson learned 4

• Local scale assessments are essential

Lesson learned 5

• Data gaps and uncertainty are inherent in all Ecosystem Services Assessment but can be overcome

Lesson learned 6

• Management requires approaches which are dynamic and demonstrate connectivity

Lesson learned 7

• Added value of using the Ecosystem Services approach for marine management