The role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in providing ecosystem services to improve ocean and human health

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are key management tools that contribute to the conservation of worldwide marine ecosystems, increasing nature's contributions derived from ecosystem services to people. These ecosystem services not only include key processes such as the release of oxygen, but also leisure opportunities, cultural inspiration, and food and medicine provision that improve the health and well-being of millions of people. In this chapter, we explain how natural processes and components in MPAs are valued by different groups of people, and how these can be addressed to maximize their effectiveness, avoiding negative socioeconomic effects like social conflicts, or inequitable distribution of benefits. We recommend that creation and management decision-making in MPAs include the collection and integration of interdisciplinary data to develop pluralistic methods of valuation and fostering social equity by involving local stakeholders.