Implications of community and stakeholder perceptions of the marine environment and its conservation for MPA management in a small Azorean island

摘要: Abstract Incorporating values, views and expectations held by local stakeholders is fundamental to the management of marine protected areas (MPAs), particularly in small islands where MPAs are central assets economy society. In this study, we used a combination quantitative qualitative methods understand what drives use coastal areas, explore expert environment its conservation, ultimately determine approaches MPA that best reflect needs desires. The study focused on Corvo Island, which includes largest Azores Archipelago, yet remains without current plan. Evidence strong ocean-oriented cultural identity, with clear gender dichotomy patterns use, was found. Participants recognized strategic value for island's economy, strategies promote sustainable resources based values were suggested. There widespread perception declining species abundance, ecological unbalances caused biodiversity loss, significant changes from status quo regards maritime environment. This reflected common recognition ecosystem vulnerability, community presented different main threats were. any case, found support conservation initiatives, MPAs. However, differed their goals outcomes, reflecting negative perceptions government's capacity manage MPA. Based these results, discuss implications implementation, development specific shared all stakeholders.