Participatory mapping of uses and ecosystem services as a useful tool for the identification of conflicts in Marine Protected Areas: The case of the Cíes Islands archipelago (NW Spain)

Abstract

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) aim to preserve marine natural capital and reduce marine biodiversity loss. However, due to the diversity of objectives in marine planning, their management involves the resolution of conflicts on current uses and ecosystem services. Participatory mapping is a useful technique in MPA's management that uses local knowledge to map ecosystem services and associated conflicts and threats. The goal of this study was to analyse the stakeholders' perception on uses and ecosystem services in the Cíes Islands archipelago, located in the National Park of the Galician Atlantic Islands. Results from semi-structured questionnaires conducted with different stakeholders, indicated that landscape values and marine research were the most valued ecosystem services, although slight differences were found between fishers and other sectors. The activities exerting the highest pressure on the protected area were fishing and tourism. Conflicts were mainly associated with the co-existence of activities within the MPA, potentially threatening conservation goals. Participatory mapping helped to identify MPA management actions to achieve conservation objectives while maintaining current uses and activities in the future.