Data from: Synergizing scientific and local knowledge for ecosystem services assessments: A case study in northern Portugal

Integrating scientific and local ecological knowledge on ecosystem
services (ES) is essential for effective and inclusive environmental
management. Such an integration strengthens societal engagement, supports
policy implementation, and helps reduce sectoral conflicts across marine
sectors. This study explored this synergy by assessing stakeholder
perceptions of local ES and comparing them with
existing scientific assessments in the NW coastal area of
Portugal. Stakeholders representing four societal sectors (Quadruple Helix
framework) prioritized regulation and maintenance ES (RMES), identified
RMES supply areas and pressures, and outlined a 20-year vision for the
region. Stakeholders classified 16 of the 20 RMES as ‘Very Important’,
particularly erosion control, buffering mass movements, coastal
protection, or climate regulation. Estuaries and northern coastal
areas were identified as RMES supply hotspots. Ten major
activities were identified, as well as conflict areas in coastal and
estuarine regions, and some marine areas, particularly where fishing,
tourism, and potential future offshore wind farms overlapped. The
stakeholder 20-year vision aligned with environmental policies, advocating
an increase in ecosystem-based management (EBM) approaches, and effective
management of human activities to ensure the maintenance of natural
capital. Comparisons between stakeholder maps revealed broad agreement in
nearshore areas but discrepancies offshore. While for nearshore regions
stakeholders were able to complement the information of the
scientific-based maps for ES supply and pressures, less knowledge of
offshore regions was observed from the stakeholders. This study
highlighted the value of integrating scientific and local stakeholder
knowledge to support informed decision-making, filling knowledge gaps, and
establishing stakeholder priorities for ecosystem management in marine
regions, that can support more complete, equitable, and effective marine
planning.