Work Package 4 sought to identify and understand the potential that ecosystem service assessment and valuation holds for marine and coastal governance. By using the process and outcomes from the six VALMER case studies, Work Package 4 researchers critically evaluated the issues associated with integrating ecosystem assessment and valuation into governance. Practitioner experience and learning from the project will be shared across the Western Channel through a distance E-learning tool that has been developed. This Work Package also explored how ecosystem service assessment and valuation can be used to engage stakeholders in marine management through the Ecosystem Services approach.

Action 4.1: Reviewing the implications of ecosystem service assessment and valuation for marine planning and management

This action used the experiences of the project’s six case study sites to identify how ecosystem service assessment can be used to support effective and informed marine planning and management. An Evaluation Framework was designed and implemented across the six case studies to understand the challenges and opportunities, in governance terms, for using ecosystem service assessment. In doing so, it generated lessons learned and advice for managers who may wish to use this approach in the future to support marine and coastal governance, both in the Western Channel and beyond.

Advice Note for Using Ecosystem Service Assessment to Support Marine Governance

The Potential Role of Ecosystem Service Assessment in Marine Governance in the Western Channel

Action 4.2: Learning exchange programme to be undertaken between partners from France and the UK

VALMER guidance and experience from the six pilot sites, including lessons learned and case study examples. The target audience is marine and coastal professionals (managers and scientists) and students (Master’s level and upwards) who wish to improve their knowledge and know-how about the ecosystem services approach, methods for ecosystem services assessments, stakeholder engagement and scenario building. This output represents an important educational resource that will continue exist after completion of the project.

E-Learning Module

Action 4.3: Engaging stakeholders in marine management through the Ecosystem Services approach

VALMER case studies to investigate how ecosystem service assessment can support stakeholder engagement in marine management. It revealed useful guidance on how ecosystem service assessment can enhance stakeholder engagement in marine management and what should be considered when engaging stakeholders through an ecosystem service assessment approach.

Improving Stakeholder Engagement in Marine Management through Ecosystem Service Assessment