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Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Ecology and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2023) | Viewed by 19537

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Eszter Tormáné Kovács

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Guest Editor

Department of Nature Conservation and Landscape Management, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
Interests: socio-economic aspects of nature and biodiversity conservation; ecosystem services; conservation conflicts; participatory processes; financing nature conservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Csaba Centeri

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Guest Editor

Department of Nature Conservation and Landscape Management, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
Interests: ecosystem services; soil-related ecosystem services; soil erosion; land use change; nature conservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The concept of ecosystem services is a significant and still growing research topic, especially related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The assessment of ecosystem services seems to be at the center of research agendas, due to its foreseen applicability in biodiversity and other land use policies. Assessments can be conducted at different scales and they are quite challenging while methodologies can vary and are still under development.

In this Special Issue, we would like to invite a wide range of papers that deal with the assessment of ecosystem services at different scales, e.g. business entity, settlement, region, country, continent, or even at a global scale. Assessments of a single service or a set of services including provisioning, regulation, and maintenance and cultural services are all welcome. However, especially, in the case of provisioning services, we would like authors to discuss related sustainability issues. Methodologies can cover qualitative, quantitative, or monetary methods as well as mapping. We encourage authors to reflect on the methodological challenges of the assessment at the given scale. It would be also nice to see how the results of the assessments might assist certain land use decisions.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in World.

Dr. Eszter Tormáné Kovács
Dr. Csaba Centeri
Guest Editors

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Keywords

ecosystem service research
assessment and mapping
scale issues
provisioning, regulation and maintenance, and cultural services
biodiversity conservation
land use decisions

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 220 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales

by Eszter Tormáné Kovács and Csaba Centeri

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16775; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su152416775 - 13 Dec 2023

Viewed by 678

Abstract

Natural and semi-natural ecosystems are under large anthropogenic pressure and degrading at an alarming speed [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

18 pages, 2686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supposed Effects of Wetland Restoration on Hydrological Conditions and the Provisioning Ecosystem Services—A Model-Based Case Study at a Hungarian Lowland Catchment

by Zsolt Kozma, Bence Decsi, Tamás Ács, Máté Krisztián Kardos, Dóra Hidy, Mátyás Árvai, Péter Kalicz, Zoltán Kern and Zsolt Pinke

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11700; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su151511700 - 28 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 932

Abstract

Climate change and water scarcity increase the vulnerability of crop production and other ecosystem services (ES) in flood-protected lowlands under a continental climate. Restoration of wetlands leads to a higher water-buffering capacity of the landscape, strengthening various ecosystem services, and fostering adaptation to climatic, ecological, and agricultural challenges. Such restoration efforts require extensive land-use change, leading to trade-offs in provisioning and regulating ES. However, knowledge is limited about these situations, especially in the case of lowland areas. Here, we introduce a hydrological analysis in a 243 km² flood-protected catchment in the Great Hungarian Plain, mapping the potential hydrological effects of water-retention scenarios on groundwater levels. We point out how the simulated groundwater levels will be used for estimating the changes in crop yields and tree growth (provisioning services). The introduced hydrological analysis and preliminary results for crop-yield estimates suggest a significant and scalable capacity for a nature-based hydrological adaptation: the extent of inundated areas could be increased stepwise and water retention could locally compensate dry periods due to the buffering effect of inundated meanders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales)

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28 pages, 4427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finding the Green Grass in the Haystack? Integrated National Assessment of Ecosystem Services and Condition in Hungary, in Support of Conservation and Planning

by Eszter Tanács, Ágnes Vári, Ákos Bede-Fazekas, András Báldi, Edina Csákvári, Anett Endrédi, Veronika Fabók, Lívia Kisné Fodor, Márton Kiss, Péter Koncz, Anikó Kovács-Hostyánszki, János Mészáros, László Pásztor, Rita Rezneki, Tibor Standovár, Zita Zsembery and Katalin Török

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8489; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15118489 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1321

Abstract

Human well-being needs healthy ecosystems, providing multiple ecosystem services. Therefore, the assessment of ecosystems on large scales is a priority action. In Hungary, this work (MAES-HU) took place between 2016 and 2022. Twelve ecosystem services (ES) were mapped and assessed along with several ecosystem condition (EC) indicators. Their integrated spatial analysis aimed to identify patterns of ES multifunctionality, reveal relationships between EC and ES and delineate ES bundles. The results show outstanding multifunctionality of natural ecosystem types compared with the more artificial types, emphasizing the importance of natural areas in order to fulfil human needs. Native forests provide the most varied range of services, which underlines the importance of forest management to consider multiple services. There is a positive correlation between condition and multifunctionality in forests; areas in better condition (in terms of species composition and structure) provide more services at an outstanding level. ES bundles mainly reflect the major ecosystem types, topography and forest condition. Our analysis represents an example of synthesizing national MAES results with a combination of methods. Finding ES hotspots on a national scale and connecting them with an assessment of EC may help in finding optimal strategies to balance conservation targets and competing land uses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales)

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16 pages, 1649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valuing the Recreational Services Provided by Hungary’s Forest Ecosystems

by Anna Széchy and Zsuzsanna Szerényi

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 3924; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15053924 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1280

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to assess the economic value of recreation as an ecosystem service enjoyed by hikers in Hungary’s forests. The assessment is carried out in the framework of a national undertaking to map and assess the state of ecosystems and their services in Hungary under the EU’s biodiversity strategy. As is common in the policymaking context, the constraints of the project did not allow for a primary study. We therefore rely on previous studies and combine several approaches to arrive at a value estimate on two scales. First, we conduct a local case study, calculating travel costs for the Pilis Biosphere Reserve, a popular hiking area where visitor surveys are available. We then estimate the unit (value per visit) and total value of forest recreation for the whole country by a different approach, based on foreign studies via benefit transfer. We find that the results from the two approaches are consistent and that the monetary value of forest recreation (in the form of hiking/walking) is approximately 10 million EUR/year for the Pilis Biosphere Reserve and approximately 100 million EUR/year for the whole country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales)

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20 pages, 8424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Freshwater Aquaculture’s Diverse Ecosystem Services with Participatory Techniques: A Case Study from White Lake, Hungary

by Péter Palásti, Ágnes Gulyás and Márton Kiss

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16825; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142416825 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1337

Abstract

Freshwater aquaculture has a significant role in fish production and biodiversity conservation. Due to climate change, however, the sustenance of fish farms became more challenging, endangering both people and natural values. The establishment of multi-purpose fishpond systems, utilizing ecosystem services besides fish production, could serve as a long-term solution for this problem. However, the lack of knowledge about fishponds’ ecosystem services creates an obstacle in the process. We would like to lower this barrier by mapping 13 different ecosystem services of White Lake, one of the most prominent fishpond systems in Hungary. The results of two different participatory mapping techniques indicated that standing waters, reedy areas, and canals, possessed the highest potential values in the provision of the listed ecosystem services, marking them as the most important areas for future developments. In the case of current sources, local experts linked the highest values to reedy areas and lookout towers. Participatory mapping also indicated that microclimate regulation and bird watching were the most widely used ecosystem services after fish production. By collecting and visualizing experts’ spatial data about White Lakes’ ecosystem services, our unique paper has the potential to serve future decision-making and provide a basis for further studies on this topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales)

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22 pages, 2049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

National Ecosystem Services Assessment in Hungary: Framework, Process and Conceptual Questions

by Ágnes Vári, Eszter Tanács, Eszter Tormáné Kovács, Ágnes Kalóczkai, Ildikó Arany, Bálint Czúcz, Krisztina Bereczki, Márta Belényesi, Edina Csákvári, Márton Kiss, Veronika Fabók, Lívia Kisné Fodor, Péter Koncz, Róbert Lehoczki, László Pásztor, Róbert Pataki, Rita Rezneki, Zsuzsanna Szerényi, Katalin Török, Anikó Zölei, Zita Zsembery and Anikó Kovács-Hostyánszki Show full author list Hide full author list

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12847; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su141912847 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2138

Abstract

Mapping and assessing ecosystem services (ES) projects at the national level have been implemented recently in the European Union in order to comply with the targets set out in the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2020 and later in the Strategy for 2030. In Hungary this work has just been accomplished in a large-scale six-year project. The Hungarian assessment was structured along the ES cascade with each level described by a set of indicators. We present the selected and quantified indicators for 12 ES. For the assessment of cascade level 4, human well-being, a set of relevant well-being dimensions were selected. The whole process was supported by several forms of involvement, interviews, consultations and workshops and in thematic working groups performing the ES quantifications, followed by building scenarios and synthesizing maps and results. Here we give an overview of the main steps and results of the assessment, discuss related conceptual issues and recommend solutions that may be of international relevance. We refine some definitions of the cascade levels and suggest theoretical extensions to the cascade model. By finding a common basis for ES assessments and especially for national ones, we can ensure better comparability of results and better adoption in decision making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales)

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14 pages, 2289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Ecosystem Services of Wetlands of the Volga–Akhtuba Floodplain

by Alexander I. Belyaev, Anna M. Pugacheva and Evgenia A. Korneeva

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11240; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su141811240 - 08 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1440

Abstract

The economic meaning of measures to water wetlands based on calculations of the economic value of their ecosystem goods and services is insufficiently studied in Russia. In this regard, it is difficult for decision-making authorities to adopt these measures as a strategy for sustainable management of natural resources. The purpose of the research is a monetary assessment of the regional benefits from ecosystem services of wetlands that the local community of the Lower Volga region will receive in connection with the rehabilitation of the Volga–Akhtuba floodplain. The study presents the magnitude and structure of these ecosystem services. The methodology of their economic assessment is given. It is established that by the period of full restoration of the hydrological regime of the Volga–Akhtuba floodplain (2035), the economic value of provisioning services of its wetlands, taking into account inflation and regional pricing, will be USD 87 ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, the economic value of cultural services—USD 77 ha^–1 year⁻¹, the economic value of regulation and maintenance services—USD 106 ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The data obtained indicate the high importance of wetland irrigation measures for the Lower Volga region and allow us to consider them as a means of improving the quality of the environment and solving social problems of the region by decision-making authorities involved in the sustainable management of its development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales)

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19 pages, 3387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

InVEST Soil Carbon Stock Modelling of Agricultural Landscapes as an Ecosystem Service Indicator

by Lyndré Nel, Ana Flávia Boeni, Viola Judit Prohászka, Alfréd Szilágyi, Eszter Tormáné Kovács, László Pásztor and Csaba Centeri

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 9808; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14169808 - 09 Aug 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2877

Abstract

Soil carbon storage results from interactions between ecological processes and contributes to the global chemical regulation of the atmosphere, a vital ecosystem service. Within the ecosystem services approach, measuring soil carbon stock is used as an indicator of landscapes that function as terrestrial carbon sinks and sources. Soil carbon stock models of agricultural landscapes use national carbon stock data and are used to determine environmental benchmarks and develop land-use management strategies for improved landscape-scale carbon sequestration. The InVEST Carbon Storage model has been used as a tool to map carbon stock based on these data. However, the accuracy of the national carbon inventories of Hungary is unknown. In this study, the InVEST soil carbon stock models of two agricultural landscapes in Hungary were produced based on national soil carbon stock data and in-field collected soil sample carbon stock data. Carbon stock inventories were collated and used as InVEST carbon model inputs, and the models were mapped, compared, and evaluated to determine their usefulness in the planning of maximizing soil carbon storage in sustainable land-use management and policy development. Five InVEST soil carbon stock spatial models were produced for both agricultural landscapes, which showed great variation based on the data used to develop it. Aggregate carbon stock potentially stored in the landscape-scale study areas also varied between datasets used. Integrating soil sample data along with national carbon stock data shows prospective applicability in assessing contextual landscape-scale potential soil carbon stock storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales)

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18 pages, 1424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Linkage of Sustainability to Environmental Impact Assessment Using the Concept of Ecosystem Services: Lessons from Thailand

by Kanokporn Swangjang

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5487; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14095487 - 03 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2951

Abstract

The concept of ecosystem services (ES) could help Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) contribute toward sustainability goals. This study aimed to systematically analyze the ES contents contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) to ascertain whether they included appropriate data as a tool for project implementation in line with sustainability practices. The EISs were analyzed using the review criteria used to assess the criteria of good EIA practice, and these criteria were then integrated and linked to the concept of ES. The results indicated that the treatment of environmental impact studies from the perspective of impact assessment practice was advantageous; however, opposing results of the integration of ES in environmental impact studies were also found. The quality of EISs that reflect ES primarily depended on the project type. The highest quality of content to support ES was for baseline information. The contents in response to biodiversity and the relationship among sustainable indicators in the baseline stage, including the assessment of biodiversity, especially its loss and gain, and the identification of measures focusing on mitigation hierarchy, were inadequate. Consequently, these constraints affect the use of impact assessments as a tool to promote project activities in sustainable ways. An approach to integrate ES in EIAs was developed based on the findings of this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales)

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13 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Value of Recreation as an Ecosystem Service in Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest, Malaysia

by Nitanan Koshy Matthew, Ahmad Shuib, Nitya Ganeshwaari Raja Gopal and Goh Ie Zheng

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 4935; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14094935 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2407

Abstract

Economic values of various ecosystem services of recreational forests are not well understood in many countries, including Malaysia. Policymakers and resource managers with a lack of such information may make inappropriate decisions to manage forest resources. To address the information problem, this study used data and estimated the economic value of recreation as a cultural ecosystem service of the Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest (AKRF) in Malaysia using the Travel Cost Method (TCM). The study estimated an economic value of USD 20,346/ha/year for cultural services, including recreation. These findings provide some useful information that might be needed for those involved in planning and management for the development of urban forest sites, especially in AKRF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Ecosystem Services at Different Scales)

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