Seagrass ecosystem contributions to people's quality of life in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112307Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • Seagrass ecosystems contribute immensely to Pacific Island people's quality of life.

  • Higher Seagrass ecosystem Contributions to People (27) in Melanesia that other PICTs

  • Thirty SCPs reported to occur in the PICTs, out of 32 globally identified.

  • Higher SCPs related to seagrass species richness and persistent larger species'

  • Strong cultural connections can strengthen policies to conserve seagrass ecosystems.

Abstract

Seagrass ecosystems provide critical contributions (goods and perceived benefits or detriments) for the livelihoods and wellbeing of Pacific Islander peoples. Through in-depth examination of the contributions provided by seagrass ecosystems across the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), we find a greater quantity in the Near Oceania (New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands) and western Micronesian (Palau and Northern Marianas) regions; indicating a stronger coupling between human society and seagrass ecosystems. We also find many non-material contributions historically have been overlooked and under-appreciated by decision-makers. Closer cultural connections likely motivate guardianship of seagrass ecosystems by Pacific communities to mitigate local anthropogenic pressures. Regional comparisons also shed light on general and specific aspects of the importance of seagrass ecosystems to Pacific Islanders, which are critical for forming evidence-based policy and management to ensure the long-term resilience of seagrass ecosystems and the contributions they provide.

Keywords

Seagrass
Ecosystem services
Nature's contributions to people
Traditional ecological knowledge
Coastal zone management
Marine policy

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