An integrated approach to estimate aesthetic and ecological values of coralligenous reefs

Assessing non-material nature contributions to people has become one major challenge in biodiversity sciences. Among them, the aesthetic value of is strong importance as it contributes human well-being and increases collective willingness engage conservation efforts. Using endangered coralligenous reefs along French Mediterranean coastline a case study, we propose quantitative approach estimate ecological values marine ecosystem. We combined image evaluation deep learning algorithms provide estimation 7692 photographic quadrats among 160 stations located between 20 90 m depth gathered on 95 sites. To understand how related metrics, environmental variables anthropogenic pressures used structural equation modelling approach. found that taxonomic diversity species composition explained significant part reefs. Taxonomic showed net positive effect analysis highlighted both negative effects some value. Net functional phylogenetic diversities were found, which illustrates an bias perception The mapped three dimensions (longitude, latitude, depth); this synthetic visualization could be interest for communication purposes about benthic key-ecosystem Sea. Overall, our provides geographically scalable still underestimated facet people. It transposed other ecosystems such coral but also terrestrial landscapes increasing number images evaluated preference are becoming available.