Mapping and assessing ecosystem services in Europe's Overseas: A comparative analysis of MOVE case studies
Ina M. Sieber,
Miriam Montero-Hidalgo,
Jarumi Kato-Huerta,
Paula Rendon,
Fernando Santos-Martín,
Davide Geneletti,
Artur Gil,
Ewan Trégarot,
Erwann Lagabrielle,
Carolina Parelho,
Manuel Arbelo,
Pieter van Beukering,
Dan Bayley,
Enrique Casas,
Sem Duijndam,
Esperance Cillaurren,
Gilbert David,
Aurelie Dourdain,
Ricardo Haroun,
Jean-Philippe Maréchal,
Laura Martín García,
Francisco Otero-Ferrer,
Elena Palacios Nieto,
Tara Pelembe,
Marta Vergílio,
Benjamin Burkhard
Affiliations
Ina M. Sieber
Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Physical Geography and Landscape Ecology
Miriam Montero-Hidalgo
Rey Juan Carlos University, Chemical and Environmental Technology Department
Jarumi Kato-Huerta
Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento
Paula Rendon
Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Physical Geography and Landscape Ecology
Fernando Santos-Martín
Rey Juan Carlos University, Chemical and Environmental Technology Department
Davide Geneletti
Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento
Artur Gil
University of the Azores
Ewan Trégarot
Centre for Blue Governance, Department of Economics and Finance, Portsmouth Business School, University of Portsmouth, Richmond Building, Portland Street
Erwann Lagabrielle
Université de La Réunion,UMR ESPACE-DEV (IRD-UR-UA-UG-UM2),
Carolina Parelho
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c) & Azorean Biodiversity Group
Manuel Arbelo
Universidad de La Laguna
Pieter van Beukering
Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Dan Bayley
South Atlantic Environment Research Institute
Enrique Casas
Universidad de La Laguna
Sem Duijndam
Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Esperance Cillaurren
UMR Espace Dev, IRD, Maison de la Télédétection, 500 rue Jean François Breton 34093
Gilbert David
UMR Espace Dev, IRD, Maison de la Télédétection, 500 rue Jean François Breton 34093
Aurelie Dourdain
Agricultural Research for Developing Countries (CIRAD), UMR TETIS
Ricardo Haroun
Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canarias
Jean-Philippe Maréchal
NOVA BLUE ENVIRONMENT
Laura Martín García
Instituto Español de Oceanografía
Francisco Otero-Ferrer
Asociación Biodiversidad Atlántica y Sostenibilidad (ABAS)
Elena Palacios Nieto
Wolfs Company
Tara Pelembe
South Atlantic Environment Research Institute
Marta Vergílio
Fundo Regional da Ciência e Tecnologia (FRCT)
Benjamin Burkhard
Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Physical Geography and Landscape Ecology
Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) has been widely applied on the European Union (EU) mainland, whereas the EU Overseas entities still bear potential for implementation. This paper presents novel applications of the MAES procedure in the EU Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories (\"EU Overseas\"). Eight case studies from different geographical areas were analysed through a comparative assessment by applying an established framework following key steps in the MAES process, in order to stipulate lessons learned and recommendations for MAES in the EU Overseas. These key steps include the identification of policy questions, stakeholder networks and involvement, application of MAES methods, dissemination and communication and implementation. The case studies were conducted and analysed under the umbrella of the EU MOVE pilot project, including the Azores, the Canary Islands, Saint Martin, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion Island and the Falkland Islands. Each case study represented different governance, policy and decision-making frameworks towards biodiversity and environmental protection. Case studies predominantly addressed the policy domains of Nature and Biodiversity Conservation and Marine and Maritime Policy. Ecosystem Services (ES) were assessed across a wide range of themes, biomes and scales, focusing on terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems. Results show that the implementation of the case studies was accompanied by extensive communication and dissemination activities. First success stories were visible, where the MAES exercise led to meaningful uptake of the ES concept to policies and decision-making. Yet, there is still work to be done - major bottlenecks were identified related to the MAES implementation centring around financial resources, training and technical expertise. Addressing these aspects can contribute to an enhanced implementation of MAES in the EU Overseas in the future.
