Local Perceptions of Ecosystem Services Across Multiple Ecosystem Types in Spain

Abstract

Combining socio-cultural valuations of ecosystem services with ecological and monetary assessments is critical to informing decision making with an integrative and multi-pronged approach. This study examined differences in the perceptions of ecosystem service supply and diversity across eight major ecosystem types in Spain and scrutinized the social and ecological factors shaping these perceptions. First, we implemented 1932 face-to-face questionnaires among local inhabitants to assess perceptions of ecosystem service supply. Second, we created an ecosystem service diversity index to measure the perceived diversity of services considering agroecosystems, Mediterranean mountains, arid systems, two aquatic continental systems, coastal ecosystems and two urban ecosystems. Finally, we examined the influence of biophysical, socio-demographic and institutional factors in shaping ecosystem service perceptions. Overall, cultural services were the most widely perceived, followed by provisioning and regulating services. Provisioning services were most strongly associated with agroecosystems, mountains and coastal systems, whereas cultural services were associated with urban ecosystems and regulating services were specifically linked with agroecosystems, mountains and urban recreational areas. The highest service diversity index values corresponded to agroecosystems, mountains and wetlands. Our results also showed that socio-demographic factors, such as place of origin (urban vs. rural) and educational level, as well as institutional factors, such as management and access regimes, shaped the perception of ecosystem services.

Participatory collective farming as a leverage point for fostering human-nature connectedness

“…Regarding the role of the urban-rural origin in increasing HNC, several studies have found that urban inhabitants in certain cases are more strongly connected with nature than rural communities through the use or benefit of specific ecosystem services, such as air purification, climate regulation, ecotourism, aesthetic appreciation, or existence of values (Castro et al 2016;García-Llorente et al 2020). However, other studies support the idea that rural communities maintain a strong connection associated with lifesupporting ecosystem services related to extractive activities, food-provisioning services, and rural traditions (Martín-López et al 2012;Pérez-Ramírez et al 2019).…”

Evolution of land cover in the special area of conservation of Monchique (Southern Portugal): Have the objectives of the Natura 2000 network been achieved (1995–2018)?

“…One of the great aids for valorizing natural habitats could be the monetary retribution of ecosystem services if it becomes a reality since most of the areas of the Monchique SAC belong to private owners. Another way to encourage the increase of Quercus forests is by demonstrating good examples (Anaya‐Romero et al, 2016; García‐Llorente et al, 2020). Improving the conservation status of the study area should involve establishing the clear advantages that the native forest is more beneficial at an economic, social and environmental level.…”

Social perceptions of ecosystem services delivered by coastal wetlands: their value and the threats they face in northwestern Mexico

“…In addition, Agenda 21 of the United Nations recommends adopting an integrated and participatory approach to conservation and development (Agenda 21 1992). In addition, analyses of attitudes, beliefs, and sociocultural preferences that societies have of ES can be relevant to decision-making and environmental planning processes, as the success of these policies heavily depends on social acceptance and support (García-Llorente et al 2020). Nevertheless, international recommendations of social participation in decision-making have not yet been embraced in Latin America, in which participation is limited to priority problems in protected areas (Maldonado et al 2020).…”