Spatio-temporal and cumulative effects of land use-land cover and climate change on two ecosystem services in the Colombian Andes

Perception of conservation strategies and nature’s contributions to people around Chingaza National Natural Park, Colombia

“…Other studies report that the impact is ambiguous, as it can increase or decrease forest conversion (Hoffmann et al 2018). Regardless, both armed conflict and deforestation can affect the supply and demand for NCPs and conservation plans (Baral & Heinen 2006, Clerici et al 2019. Although government-guerrilla clashes and deaths in combat are important variables associated with warfare, guerrilla attacks are particularly relevant in that they result in historic and recent forced displacements of people and are related to drivers of deforestation (Hoffmann et al 2018).…”

“…Chingaza is also facing problems related to urbanization and population growth, and this is a generalized trend throughout the Andean region of Colombia (Brown & Kappelle 2001). The study area in the past decades has in fact undergone substantial socioeconomic and land-cover changes related to its close proximity to Bogotá (Clerici et al 2019) as the water supply from Chingaza is particularly important for the city. Similarly, although the respondents did not report illicit crop cultivation, small subsistence farmers are still present in the study area, and they continue to influence conservation-related activities (Hoffmann et al 2018).…”

“…Although climate change and other anthropogenic disturbances are frequently reported as drivers of ecosystem change (Clerici et al 2019), armed and resource conflicts in certain parts of the world have been constant, yet less studied factors that nevertheless greatly affect ecosystems and the benefits they provide to society (Machlis & Hansen 2008, Ordway 2015. Protected areas (PAs) have been established worldwide to help conserve ecosystems, yet their establishment can further exacerbate conflicts between local actors and PA-related institutions.…”

“…In addition to the conservation value related to their high floral and faunal diversity and endemism, these ecosystems are essential for the subsistence and well-being of both rural and urban communities (Brown & Kappelle 2001). In particular, the páramo is key for maintaining water supply and quality for major metropolitan areas (Clerici et al 2019), and Andean forests are key for carbon storage and climate regulation (Núñez et al 2006). Nevertheless, they have been affected by anthropogenic activities such as agriculture, mining, ranching and urbanization; indeed, 75% of Colombians now live in cities (Brown & Kappelle 2001, Ruiz-Salguero et al 2007.…”

A Scientometrics Review on Land Ecosystem Service Research

“…Land cover change not only brings about great changes in the surface structure, but also affects ecological processes such as material circulation and energy flow, thereby affecting the entire ecosystem and structure, which in turn affects ecosystem services and human well-being [47]. Clerici [48] used two different watersheds in Colombia as research areas to explore the impact of land cover change and climate change on ecosystem services (carbon storage and water production). The results of the study indicate that land use development policies in near urban basins should greatly reduce the use of agricultural land and pasture.…”