How to articulate the multiple value dimensions of ecosystem services? Insights from implementing the PArticulatES framework in a coastal social-ecological system in Portugal

Ecosystem services is a value-laden concept, encompassing multiple legitimate views, value systems and potential controversies. On the other hand, it offers a platform to promote participation and to search for new paths of collaborative action. Based on these assumptions this work aims to answer the question “how to structure a participatory process for the integration and articulation of multiple values of ecosystem services to inform decision-making processes in a coastal social-ecological system?”. This paper outlines a three-stage participatory framework (PArticulatES) that was developed to scope, conceptualize and articulate ecosystem services values. The PArticulatES framework was piloted in a coastal and marine protected area: the Arrábida Natural Park in Portugal. The pilot test results and participants’ evaluation on the process allowed the identification of valuable lessons and critical factors for the success of the implementation of the framework. The proposed three-stage process was able to provide a coherent platform for engaging stakeholders in ecosystem services scoping, assessment and decision support. Key outcomes regarding knowledge sharing and co-creation are conducive to social learning about ecosystem services. Ultimately, this framework offers structured guidelines for teasing out multiple value dimensions, which may be applied to different types of decision processes in coastal and marine ecosystems. However, some challenges may arise when implementing this framework. Those include a dependency on a steering team with adequate skills and resources to support each process stage, a sustained level of participants’ engagement throughout the sequence of events, and a commitment from decision-makers’ regarding the consideration of process outcomes.