Exploring the drivers and effects of biodiversity change in the coast of Cantabria and Santander Bay (Southern Gulf of Biscay)

Coastal zones are complex socio-ecological systems that present significant challenges for sustainable management. In this study, a bow-tie approach was applied to the coast of Cantabria to analyse the connections between drivers of change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic consequences. The two most prominent drivers identified by stakeholders were large-scale tourism and harbour infrastructure development. These were associated with biodiversity impacts, including species and habitat loss, and the spread of non-native invasive species facilitated by human activities. Stakeholders and scientists identified multiple consequences of biodiversity change across ecological, social, economic, and governance dimensions. Based on the bow-tie analysis, a set of prevention and mitigation measures was proposed to enhance governance responses and reduce biodiversity-related damage in the study area.