Join Blue4All at the European Ocean Days in Brussels from March 4–8, 2024. This annual event brings together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and discuss the implementation of EU ocean policies. With a focus on marine protection, sustainable ocean management, and governance, it serves as a key platform for shaping the future of Europe’s marine environment.
Blue4All’s Participation
Blue4All will actively contribute to the discussions, with Francesco De Franco and Steven Degraer taking part in the panel discussion “Towards Strict Marine Protection: Operational Insights and Collaborative Actions”. This session will explore how stricter marine protection can be effectively implemented, offering practical insights and emphasizing the importance of cooperation between various stakeholders. Additionally, Blue4All will be present at the MPA Community Network booth, where we will be joining forces with other EU-funded projects focused on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This shared space provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with project representatives, learn about ongoing initiatives, and play an interactive MPA card game (which is further explained below).
Introducing the MPA Corridor Design Card Game – First Play at European Ocean Days! As part of the MPA Community Network, we are excited to announce the launch of the MPA Corridor Design Card Game—an innovative and interactive game designed to challenge players to create effective and resilient MPA corridors.
A Collaborative Effort for Marine Conservation
This engaging game has been co-designed by six EU-funded projects—BioProtect, Marine Plan, BLUE CONNECT, MSP4Bio, Blue4All, and Pharos—bringing together expertise in marine conservation, ecological connectivity, and stakeholder engagement.
The goal? To equip participants with a deeper understanding of the complexities of MPA planning by using real-world scenarios and decision-making challenges.
How the Game Works
The MPA Corridor Design Card Game is structured around five strategic rounds where players navigate ecological and socio-economic challenges. Players work in teams to design MPA corridors, making key decisions based on scientific data and stakeholder interests while responding to dynamic challenges.
Why Play?
This game provides a hands-on learning experience, allowing players to explore the real-world complexities of marine spatial planning. By engaging in simulated decision-making, participants will:
· Understand the importance of ecological connectivity in MPAs.
· Recognize the trade-offs between biodiversity protection and human activities.
· Learn about key challenges such as illegal fishing, climate change, and stakeholder conflicts.
· Gain insight into policy and funding mechanisms that support marine conservation.
Join Us at European Ocean Days!
The MPA Corridor Design Card Game will be played live for the first time at European Ocean Days on March 4th, at the MPA Community Network Booth at Charlemagne Building, Rue de la Loi 170, 1040 Brussels. If you’re passionate about marine conservation and want to test your strategic thinking, join us!
Key Findings
Monetary Valuation Methods Dominate
The study reviews 100 peer-reviewed papers and reveals that monetary valuation methods, such as stated preference techniques, are the most widely used. These methods are useful for quantifying services in economic terms but often overlook non-economic values.
The Need for Combined Approaches
Integrating monetary and non-monetary valuation methods provides a more holistic understanding of ecosystem services. Non-monetary methods capture cultural, intrinsic, and ecological values, which are crucial for comprehensive decision-making.
Gaps in Current Approaches
The study highlights significant gaps in assessing supporting and regulating services, as well as non-use and option values. These gaps limit our understanding of the full benefits MPAs offer.
Why This Matters
Accurate valuation of ecosystem services is essential for MPA management, policymaking, and sustainable development. Understanding the socio-economic and ecological benefits of MPAs enables better decision-making, supports funding mechanisms, and ensures these areas fulfill their potential in preserving marine ecosystems.
Moving Forward
The study calls for innovative valuation methods that address the complexities of marine ecosystems. By combining diverse approaches, researchers and practitioners can ensure that the full range of ecosystem services is recognized and leveraged for sustainable management.
Explore the Full Study
This groundbreaking research provides valuable insights for policymakers, conservationists, and researchers. Access the full paper here: Read the study.