Navigating trade-offs on conservation: the use of participatory mapping in maritime spatial planning

Abstract Maritime spatial planning (MSP) has evolved to incorporate features like authoritative, participatory, ecosystem-based, integrated, future-oriented, and adaptive approaches. MSP seeks a balance between maritime activities and sustainable development within ecological limits, an ecosystem-ba...

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Main Authors: Helena Calado, Débora Gutierrez, Albane De Bruyn
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-03-01
Series:npj Ocean Sustainability
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-025-00109-6
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author Helena Calado
Débora Gutierrez
Albane De Bruyn
author_facet Helena Calado
Débora Gutierrez
Albane De Bruyn
author_sort Helena Calado
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Maritime spatial planning (MSP) has evolved to incorporate features like authoritative, participatory, ecosystem-based, integrated, future-oriented, and adaptive approaches. MSP seeks a balance between maritime activities and sustainable development within ecological limits, an ecosystem-based approach (EBA). A trade-off in the context of MSP refers to the compromise or exchange between different objectives, interests, or uses of marine resources and space. The aim of this paper is to provide methodological guidelines for applying a trade-off methodology for marine protected areas (MPAs) design within the MSP context. The guidelines have developed participatory-based trade-off scenarios to weigh the impacts of the multi-objective spatial and strategic management measures, using participatory mapping, providing a valuable framework for design of MSP and MPAs. The lessons learned and recommendations provided aim to guide future MSP endeavours, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement, innovation, and adaptation in the dynamic field of MSP for sustainable marine management and conservation.
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spelling doaj-art-e64939066eba4acea45406187fe5c39a2025-08-20T02:59:19ZengNature Portfolionpj Ocean Sustainability2731-426X2025-03-014111110.1038/s44183-025-00109-6Navigating trade-offs on conservation: the use of participatory mapping in maritime spatial planningHelena Calado0Débora Gutierrez1Albane De Bruyn2UAc/FCT University of the Azores/Faculty of Science and TechnologyUAc/FCT University of the Azores/Faculty of Science and TechnologyUAc/FCT University of the Azores/Faculty of Science and TechnologyAbstract Maritime spatial planning (MSP) has evolved to incorporate features like authoritative, participatory, ecosystem-based, integrated, future-oriented, and adaptive approaches. MSP seeks a balance between maritime activities and sustainable development within ecological limits, an ecosystem-based approach (EBA). A trade-off in the context of MSP refers to the compromise or exchange between different objectives, interests, or uses of marine resources and space. The aim of this paper is to provide methodological guidelines for applying a trade-off methodology for marine protected areas (MPAs) design within the MSP context. The guidelines have developed participatory-based trade-off scenarios to weigh the impacts of the multi-objective spatial and strategic management measures, using participatory mapping, providing a valuable framework for design of MSP and MPAs. The lessons learned and recommendations provided aim to guide future MSP endeavours, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement, innovation, and adaptation in the dynamic field of MSP for sustainable marine management and conservation.https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-025-00109-6
spellingShingle Helena Calado
Débora Gutierrez
Albane De Bruyn
Navigating trade-offs on conservation: the use of participatory mapping in maritime spatial planning
npj Ocean Sustainability
title Navigating trade-offs on conservation: the use of participatory mapping in maritime spatial planning
title_full Navigating trade-offs on conservation: the use of participatory mapping in maritime spatial planning
title_fullStr Navigating trade-offs on conservation: the use of participatory mapping in maritime spatial planning
title_full_unstemmed Navigating trade-offs on conservation: the use of participatory mapping in maritime spatial planning
title_short Navigating trade-offs on conservation: the use of participatory mapping in maritime spatial planning
title_sort navigating trade offs on conservation the use of participatory mapping in maritime spatial planning
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-025-00109-6
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