A Socio-Economic Approach to Marine Protected Area Management: a method for Adaptive Spatial Planning

This study presents a methodological framework to define socio-economic criteria for prioritizing new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), boundary adjustments, and network corridors within marine spatial planning (MSP). The framework captures stakeholder perceptions of ecosystem services (ES), including the social, economic, and ecological values that various marine spaces provide.

Through analysis at six European test sites, located in the Atlantic (Azores and Gulf of Cadiz), the Baltic, the North Sea, the Black Sea and the Western Mediterranean; the study identifies and ranks 20 socio-economic criteria, linking these to corresponding ecosystem services.

Findings suggest that MPAs serve essential cultural, regulatory, and provisioning functions, underscoring the need for adaptive management tailored to regional socio-ecological dynamics. This approach highlights the socio-cultural dependence on marine areas, reinforcing MPAs as socio-economic systems that contribute to local livelihoods, recreational opportunities, and biodiversity conservation. The conceptual model visually demonstrates these key MPA functions, showing how adaptive management strategies address varied regional needs. By emphasizing a balanced integration of ES into MSP, the framework offers a structured approach for stakeholders to assess trade-offs and synergies between socio-economic priorities and environmental sustainability.

Grounded in EU policies and international agreements, the methodology supports decision-makers in fostering more sustainable, resilient marine management. The study’s insights advance the understanding of MPAs as dynamic entities, recommending that adaptive management strategies be sensitive to regional needs, thereby enhancing the efficacy and acceptability of marine spatial policies across diverse contexts. All this study was developed under the MSP4Bio Project, a Horizon-funded initiative.