MARINE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF ST. HELENA PART 3: GUIDELINES TO SUPPORT THE FUTURE APPLICATION OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT METHODS TO INFORM MARINE MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING

Abstract

The St Helena Government recognises that the natural environment (the natural capital) of St Helena supports the well-being of the island residents and, if used sustainably, will provide the foundations for future economic growth (St Helena Government 2015). In September 2016 the entire 200nm Exclusive Fisheries Zone (EFZ) of St Helena was designated as an IUCN category VI “protected area with sustainable use of natural resources”. The marine management plan for the 444,916km2 Marine Protected Area (MPA) has also been formally adopted. The plan sets out management strategies for the marine environment that aim to protect marine biodiversity and ensure sustainable resource use. Working towards sustainable development in the marine environment demands that decision-making for marine management adequately integrates environmental, social and economic factors. As part of the Darwin Plus project, “The sustainable development and management of St Helena’s fisheries and marine tourism” 2015-2017, an Ecosystem Service Assessment (ESA) was undertaken in two phases to provide an in-depth understanding of the links between the marine environment and the realisation of ecosystem service benefits