Conceptualizing and measuring socio-cultural values in marine and coastal environments: progress and research needs from a systematic map

Marine and coastal environments underpin societal wellbeing and prosperity, yet decisions about their management often overlook socio-cultural values because they are mainly intangible and non-monetized. As these environments face rapid social and environmental change, there is a pressing need to improve our understanding of such values and incorporate them into decision-making before they are lost. Various conceptual frameworks and global assessments can inform decisions but often omit socio-cultural values or conflate them with other terms, diluting their recognition. To help overcome this issue, this study used a systematic map to synthesize the peer-reviewed academic literature (n = 262) to better understand how socio-cultural values have been conceptualized and measured in marine and coastal environments. Results show a growing body of literature on socio-cultural values, but also several evidence gaps. Most research has been undertaken in the Global Minority (e.g. United Kingdom (n = 25), United States (n = 21), and Australia (n = 12)). Socio-cultural values were most often conceptualized with ‘ecosystem services’, but use of ‘social’, ‘cultural’, or ‘socio-cultural’ values appeared over the last decade. Measured values were predominantly classified as cultural, followed by provisioning, regulating, and supporting and/or habitat. Articles evaluated a range of marine and coastal habitats, but most frequently examined mangroves (n = 70) and corals (n = 45). Researchers primarily used non-monetary evaluation methods to measure socio-cultural values, particularly ranking and rating methods (e.g. Likert scale and scoring questions). This study reveals research gaps that can guide efforts to better include socio-cultural values in marine and coastal management, ensuring policies reflect the full spectrum of community values.