2.4.2.1 Lesson Learned 1: A structured approach supports effective Ecosystem Services Assessment
Why
Ecosystem service assessments are increasingly recommended to inform marine policy and planning. However, Ecosystem service assessments can require significant time, effort, and expertise, are unevenly applied and rarely used effectively in decision-making processes. It is thus necessary to ensure from inception that Ecosystem service assessment approaches are efficient, transparent and provide the right information for purpose.
How
A strategic decision-making approach, called a Triage 
, was developed to support operational marine management. The Triage includes three transparent successive stages:
- defining the aims and scope of the assessment;
- selecting the Ecosystem services to be assessed based on three criteria;
- choosing the assessment method.
Its implementation assisted the selection of the appropriate set of Ecosystem services and the most effective methodology for assessment. It also enabled stakeholder engagement, ensuring the ownership of the process.
What next
Triage implementation in VALMER was led by researchers and project participants. When possible, the triage should be applied in a more flexible and iterative way, ideally with a facilitator leading the process so as to ensure neutrality. This would however require specific skills, especially as regards economic valuation methods and marine management issues.
