Valmer presented complementary objectives that led to a better understanding of the Channel's marine ecosystems and to the more sustainable use of the services that these provide.
VALMER was an eleven partner, 4.7 million euros project co-funded by the INTERREG IV A Channel programme through the European Regional Development Fund, which aimed to examine how improved marine ecosystem services assessment can support effective and informed marine management and planning
The Western Channel is under increasing pressure from a wide range of competing uses and interests; effective and informed management of this shared space is vital to the sustainable use of this valuable resource. We know that ecosystem services assessment has the potential to improve marine management and planning, but to date there have been limited documented cases.
VALMER therefore explored methodologies that can be used to quantify, qualify and communicate the value (economic, social and environmental) of marine and coastal ecosystem services, and seeked to improve understanding of the links between ecosystem services, their valuation, and effective marine management and governance.
To achieve these aims and bridge the gap between theory, policy and practice the VALMER project bought together marine science and marine governance communities from both sides of the Western Channel area. From the eleven project partners (led by Plymouth University) were drawn over sixty individuals with experience and expertise in a variety of academic disciplines and marine and coastal management contexts.
To facilitate such a large scale project VALMER was organised into six distinct but inter-related Work Packages. Each WP contained a pool of experts whose work was focused on delivering different aspects of the project. At a WP level they produced a number of specific outputs including academic papers, guidance documents and workshops. Research from all WPs was integrated and applied at the six case study sites.
Focused around the Western Channel area and the waters of southwest England (Devon, Dorset and Cornwall) and northwest France (Brittany and Normandy), these case studies were a central and integral part of the VALMER project. They enabled us to examine a range of different coastal environments and habitats and the ecosystem services that they provide, in the context of real, site specific, marine management issues.
Working alongside key stakeholders, VALMER aimed to provide policy-makers with a clearer understanding of the values that can be placed on the marine environment, and how these can be used to make more effective decisions. Its activities supports Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) at a local level to create integrated visions and action programmes. It also engaged local coastal residents to raise awareness of ESA, and how it can be applied at a community level.
Visit the project's website: www.valmer.eu
