Prioritization of ecosystem services related to the natural heritage of Bulgaria

Nedkov, Stoyan; Mitova, Radenka; Nikolova, Mariyana; Borisova, Bilyana; Hristova, Desislava; Semerdzhieva, Lidiya; Zhiyanski, Miglena; Prodanova, Hristina

doi:10.3897/jbgs.e73687

Cited by 11 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…The subalpine areas in Rila Mountain and Pirin Mountain had lower scores mainly due to the absence of forest ecosystems in those areas. These results fully correspond to the maps produced in a similar study by Nedkov et al 2021b.…”

Section: Potential Of the Nh To Provide Essupporting

confidence: 90%

Mapping of ecosystems in Bulgaria for the needs of natural heritage assessment

Hristova¹,

Stoycheva²

2021

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The main purpose of the paper is to explore the relationship between the CORINE Land Cover (CLC) classification and the MAES typology in order to develop a basis for mapping of ecosystems at national level in Bulgaria, which could ensure a spatial framework for mapping and assessment of the ecosystem services provided by the natural heritage. Identifying the necessary data for our purposes, we found that, in spatial terms, CLC data is the only appropriate data source. The subtypes of ecosystems at Level 3 of the classification of ecosystems in Bulgaria (based on the European MAES classification) are identified as mapping units. Firstly, we decided to analyze the links between the CLC and the MAES BG classes through five categories of correspondence: 1) full correspondence – one CLC class corresponds to one MAES BG subtype; 2) multi-directional links – one or more CLC classes correspond to one MAES BG subtype; 3) discrepancies that necessitate further analyses; 4) CLC classes that are not found in Bulgaria; 5) MAES BG subtypes that have no correspondence to a CLC class. Secondly, we prepared a comparison table to determine the correspondence between the CLC classes and ecosystem subtypes, which we integrated into the GIS environment. Thirdly, we developed an algorithm for modifications of the spatial distribution of ecosystem subtypes. The algorithm was applied particularly to grasslands, where at Level 3 of CLC there are two classes of "grassland”, whereas at Level 3 of the classification of ecosystems in Bulgaria, the subtypes are five. This algorithm was applied to the 2018 CLC spatial data so as to develop a GIS database providing the basis for subsequent analyzes related to ecosystems. The database was used to delineate and map the ecosystems at national level in Bulgaria. Furthermore, a map of the potential of the natural heritage to provide ecosystem services was produced.

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Section: Potential Of the Nh To Provide Essupporting

confidence: 90%

Mapping of ecosystems in Bulgaria for the needs of natural heritage assessment

Hristova¹,

Stoycheva²

2021

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“…The mapping of ES includes identification of ES delivered by ecosystems, selection of indicators, quantification of these indicators, and mapping. The identification of ES related to NH can be done by prioritization based on the CICES classification (Nedkov et al, 2021). The next three components are more or less similar to the general framework proposed by Burkhard et al (2018) (Fig.…”

Section: A Conceptual Scheme Of Ecosystem-based Assessment Of Nh In Bulgariamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For the identification of ES related to NH we propose a prioritization approach. It aims to identify the ES and rank them according to their significance for recreation and tourism (Nedkov et al, 2021). It is a process of selection and differentiation of services into priority groups based on particular criteria.…”

Section: Prioritization Of Es Related To Nh Tourism and Recreationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The differentiation of ES into priority levels is applied in order to: i) arrange the ES according to their significance to recreation and tourism and; ii) apply mapping and assessment of ES at multiple scales (national, regional, local). As a result of the prioritization, the ES based on CICES classification were divided into three groups: 1) high priority (15 services); 2) medium priority (15 services); 3) low priority (9 services) (Nedkov et al, 2021).…”

Section: Prioritization Of Es Related To Nh Tourism and Recreationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A methodological framework for mapping and assessment of ecosystem services provided by the natural heritage in Bulgaria

Nedkov¹,

Borisova²,

Nikolova³

et al. 2021

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Natural heritage (NH) includes natural features that can be described as outstanding universal value at a national level. It refers to the importance of ecosystems, biodiversity, and geodiversity for their existence value, and the ecosystems can be considered as the spatial units for its mapping and assessment. The ecosystem services (ES) concept provides an appropriate basis in the form of assessment and mapping methods that enable linking the state of ecosystems with human well-being. Thus, it can be used as a platform to find solutions to the problems related to the conflicts between conservation and the use of the NH. In this paper, we aim to present the process of developing a methodological framework for mapping and assessment of ecosystem services provided by the natural heritage in Bulgaria for recreation and tourism. The conceptual framework of the ecosystem-based assessment of NH in Bulgaria is based on the assumption that the generation of NH for the needs of tourism can be presented as the linkages between the natural systems and tourism in the form of ES potential, flow, and demand. The results demonstrate that the NH can be presented as a spatial phenomenon conceptualized by the flows of benefits from ecosystems to people which contribute to human well-being. The mapping and assessment procedures are fully developed for application at a national level, while for the regional and local level, few pilot studies mark some basic foundations for further development.

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“…Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are intangible benefits that people derive from ecosystems (Fish et al 2016) in the form of aesthetic enjoyment of beautiful scenery, cultural, intellectual and spiritual inspiration, a sense of belonging to a place, moral satisfaction from being in a natural environment, enjoyment of recreational activities and ecotourism. Natural heritage provides a wide range of ecosystem benefits to society (Osipova et al 2014: Nedkov et al, 2021b: Zhiyanski et al, 2021, and activities such as recreation, various types of tourism, scientific and educational initiatives that provide direct contact between humans and nature.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural heritage: Provision of cultural ecosystem services from the Malyovitsa Range of the Rila National Park

Silvestriev¹,

Borisova²,

Mitova³

2021

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Nature-based tourism and recreation are attracting attention today as the most favourable form of direct connection between people and nature, and as a very successful tool to motivate people to protect their natural heritage. This study aims to develop and test a methodology to assess the potential of an acknowledged natural heritage site in Bulgaria - Malyovitsa Range and Urdini Cirque in ‘Rila’ National Park to provide cultural ecosystem services. A holistic approach is applied, using landscapes as the main territorial unit, and source of information. For the purpose of practicing representative types of mountain tourism: ‘mountain hiking’, ‘nature education’ tourism, ‘ski touring’ and ‘mountaineering’ a total of 15 ecosystem services were assessed based on 25 biophysical and social indicators. ‘Primary forest landscapes on moraine materials’ and ‘Primary landscapes with mugo pine on igneous rocks’ receive the highest score. Based on the results obtained, an assessment of the mainstream activity - access to mountain hiking provided by the landscapes was carried out and two touristic routes with very high potential to deliver this service were identified. The results of the study are directed towards the responsible parties in support of the natural heritage conservation in Rila National Park through sustainable management the potential to provide cultural (recreational) ecosystem services. The research was conducted within the scientific programme of the project “Conceptualization, Flexible Methodology, and a Pilot Geospatial Platform for Access of the Bulgarian Natural Heritage to the European Digital Single Market of Knowledge and Information Services” within the project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001 Establishment and Development of “Heritage BG” Centre of Excellence (Operational Program “Science and Education for Intelligent Growth”, priority Axis 1 “Research and technological development”).

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Prioritization of ecosystem services related to the natural heritage of Bulgaria

Cited by 11 publications

References 20 publications

Mapping of ecosystems in Bulgaria for the needs of natural heritage assessment

Mapping of ecosystems in Bulgaria for the needs of natural heritage assessment

A methodological framework for mapping and assessment of ecosystem services provided by the natural heritage in Bulgaria

Natural heritage: Provision of cultural ecosystem services from the Malyovitsa Range of the Rila National Park

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