Coastal Values
The sea is evident in every part of Shetland life, from the climate to the main industries, to the most popular recreational pursuits. The sea is intertwined into the culture and history of the Shetland community and visiting the coast is the top activity for visitors to the islands.
Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) are defined as “the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences.” (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005). They cover a vast range of services both tangible and intangible, Figure 1. Often CES do not have a direct monetary value making it difficult to quantify, meaning it can get left out of the decision-making process.
Figure 1- Subcategories of cultural services
The Marine Spatial Planning Team at Shetland UHI conducted a series of Shetland wide surveys to capture people’s opinions on the value and use of different areas of the Shetland coastline and how it makes people feel.
The results of the questionnaires have been collated into a report ‘Understanding community value and use of the Shetland coastline 2021’. The report seeks to provide background information and evidence relating to the Shetland sea and coast, and its use and value to communities. This information was used to develop policies relating to CES within the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan (SIRMP).
Download the full report below:
- A Community shaped by the Sea 2021. Understanding community value and use of the marine environment (pdf)
