Table 2 Steps in trade-off methodology for MPA design

GIS Data Compilation

Identify available information sources and spatial data relevant to the area.

Whatley et al.⁵⁴ provide an overview of the available biodiversity datasets and platforms relevant to planning.

Screening the available biodiversity datasets and platforms relevant to planning.

Criteria/Ecosystem Prioritisation of Services

Compile and prioritise criteria and ES.

Pegorelli et al.⁵⁵ define the socio-economic criteria of MPAs, and the ES that can cover the socio-economic dimension.

Environmental Information Summary

Summarise all available environmental information for a clearer understanding.

Conservation Goal Identification

Identify natural values to be protected (e.g. dark coral) or define conservation goals for each test site (e.g. protect 20% of dark coral) using the SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based) methodology

Tool Selection

Choose a participatory mapping tool and develop scenarios based on conservation goals^56,57,58.

Participatory Mapping Survey Design

Develop a “participatory mapping survey” divided into three parts:

• Part I: collect stakeholders’ spatial information about current and potential uses, conflict areas, and areas suitable for trade-offs;

• Part II: data analysis and validation. Thanks to the participatory mapping tool used, the stakeholders can draw the scenarios based on uses, conflicts and ES criteria. The different results are discussed and agreed upon with the support of the portfolio of trade-offs developed;

• Part III: climate change perception analysis, questions on this perception for instance, in the context of climate or technological changes, are to be discussed with the stakeholders.

Introduction to Trade-offs

Explore potential trade-offs in each test site. Effective management of trade-offs involves stakeholder engagement, scientific data analysis and diagnosis. Also, the utilisation of decision-support tools to pinpoint optimal solutions, thus minimising negative impacts while maximising overall benefits, is advisable.

Explain trade-offs to stakeholders and provide support arguments. (A portfolio of arguments to support trade-offs and a PowerPoint presentation of trade-offs were provided to the stakeholders).

Remind stakeholders of the criteria and ES and present the spatial data collected.

Ecological Values and Goals

Identify critical components like MPAs, OECM, and other ecologically significant features

Define explicit protection objectives by specific percentages for key features beyond MPAs and OECM (for e.g. those involving the protection of mobile species). These objectives need to be visually represented on the map.

Applying the Survey Results

Apply Part I and Part III of the survey to focus on collecting stakeholder perceptions.

Formulate scenarios based on identified uses, conflicts, and ES criteria (Part II).

Scenario development is a time-intensive process, and stakeholders/CoP members should be informed of this timeframe beforehand.

Present the outcomes of the participatory mapping exercise to the stakeholders.

Analysis and Decision-making

Analyse and discuss scenarios to prioritise ES based on their rank of importance.

Organise a method such as voting or consensus to determine relevant agreements for the designated area(s).

Conduct negotiations for solutions using the arguments portfolio.

Documentation

- Provide reporting guidelines for test site leaders.

- Capture meeting outcomes through photos, screenshots, or recordings.

Prepare Meeting Report

- Prepare a report summarising meeting discussions and outcomes.

Provide Feedback to Stakeholders

- Provide stakeholders with feedback on how their opinions are considered in MSP/MPA design.

- Have a document translating the consensus option (this can be any “soft” agreement as codes of conduct; best practices in the area, etc.).