Fernandes, M.L., Antunes, I.C.; Oliveira, E.R., and Alves F.L., 2016. Design policy options supported by marine and coastal Ecosystem Services assessment and valuation: a case study in Portugal. In: Vila-Concejo, A.; Bruce, E.; Kennedy, D.M., and McCarroll, R.J. (eds.), Proceedings of the 14th International Coastal Symposium (Sydney, Australia). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 75, pp. 977 - 981. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Marine and Coastal Ecosystems provide services and benefits to human well-being whose value is inadequately incorporated into decision-making. Studies are being developed on Ecosystem Services but the challenge remains on how can Ecosystem Services better inform policy options. This paper presents the governance framework analysis and assessment in the study area of Peniche-Nazaré, in Portugal. This research is part of the project on Economic Valuation and Governance of Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Services funded by Gulbenkian Oceans Initiative. This project aims to assess the economic value of Ecosystem Services provided by the region of Peniche-Nazaré (coastal and marine zones). The research started with the analysis of the governance framework (policies, strategies, plans, programmes and institutions). In the study area, this framework supported the characterization of activities and processes, providing inputs on key Ecosystem Services, environmental drivers of change and threats. This analysis demonstrated that the last decade has seen an intensification of strategic documentation and regional funding programmes, due to the European funding context. The assessment highlights the priority axes of investment which are Tourism, Nature Conservation, Fisheries and Energy. This investigation will clarify the key Ecosystem Services that are relevant to specific policies, strategies and programmes, in the region. The final results of this project will inform policy makers, NGOs and businesses in improving planning and regulatory decisions at different policy levels.