Comparison of methods for a landscape-scale assessment of the cultural ecosystem services associated with different habitats

Authors: Gosal, A.S., Newton, A.C. and Gillingham, P.K.

Journal: International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services and Management

Volume: 14

Issue: 1

Pages: 91-104

eISSN: 2151-3740

ISSN: 2151-3732

DOI: 10.1080/21513732.2018.1447016

Abstract:

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are widely acknowledged as important but are often neglected by ecosystem service assessments, leading to a representational bias. This reflects the methodological challenges associated with producing robust and repeatable CES valuations. Here we provide a comparative analysis of three approaches for non-monetary valuation of CES, namely a structured survey, participatory GIS (PGIS) and GPS tracking methods. These were used to assess both recreation and aesthetic value of habitats within the New Forest National Park, UK. The association of CES with habitats enabled results of all three methods to be visualised at the landscape scale using maps, strengthening their value to conservation management. Broadleaved woodland and heathland habitats were consistently valued highly for both CES, whereas agricultural land tended to be associated with low values. Results obtained by the different methods were positively correlated in 6 out of 10 comparisons, indicating a degree of consistency between them. The spatial distribution of CES values at the landscape scale was also generally consistent between the three methods. These results highlight the value of comparative analyses of CES for identifying robust results, providing a way forward for their inclusion in land management decision-making.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/30661/

Source: Scopus

Comparison of methods for a landscape-scale assessment of the cultural ecosystem services associated with different habitats

Authors: Gosal, A.S., Newton, A. and Gillingham, P.

Journal: International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystems Services & Management

Volume: 14

Issue: 1

Pages: 91-104

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

ISSN: 2151-3732

DOI: 10.1080/21513732.2018.1447016

Abstract:

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are widely acknowledged as important but are often neglected by ecosystem service assessments, leading to a representational bias. This reflects the methodological challenges associated with producing robust and repeatable CES valuations. Here we provide a comparative analysis of three approaches for non-monetary valuation of CES, namely a structured survey, participatory GIS (PGIS) and GPS tracking methods. These were used to assess both recreation and aesthetic value of habitats within the New Forest National Park, UK. The association of CES with habitats enabled results of all three methods to be visualised at the landscape scale using maps, strengthening their value to conservation management. Broadleaved woodland and heathland habitats were consistently valued highly for both CES, whereas agricultural land tended to be associated with low values. Results obtained by the different methods were positively correlated in 6 out of 10 comparisons, indicating a degree of consistency between them. The spatial distribution of CES values at the landscape scale was also generally consistent between the three methods.

These results highlight the value of comparative analyses of CES for identifying robust results, providing a way forward for their inclusion in land management decision-making.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/30661/

Source: Manual

Comparison of methods for a landscape-scale assessment of the cultural ecosystem services associated with different habitats

Authors: Gosal, A.S., Newton, A. and Gillingham, P.K.

Journal: International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystems Services & Management

Volume: 14

Issue: 1

Pages: 91-104

ISSN: 2151-3732

Abstract:

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are widely acknowledged as important but are often neglected by ecosystem service assessments, leading to a representational bias. This reflects the methodological challenges associated with producing robust and repeatable CES valuations. Here we provide a comparative analysis of three approaches for non-monetary valuation of CES, namely a structured survey, participatory GIS (PGIS) and GPS tracking methods. These were used to assess both recreation and aesthetic value of habitats within the New Forest National Park, UK. The association of CES with habitats enabled results of all three methods to be visualised at the landscape scale using maps, strengthening their value to conservation management. Broadleaved woodland and heathland habitats were consistently valued highly for both CES, whereas agricultural land tended to be associated with low values. Results obtained by the different methods were positively correlated in 6 out of 10 comparisons, indicating a degree of consistency between them. The spatial distribution of CES values at the landscape scale was also generally consistent between the three methods. These results highlight the value of comparative analyses of CES for identifying robust results, providing a way forward for their inclusion in land management decision-making.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/30661/

Source: BURO EPrints