Speaker
Description
Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES), which include recreation, aesthetics, inspiration, and cultural heritage, are essential non-material benefits that enrich human well-being and foster a sense of place and identity. Despite their critical role, CES often remain underrepresented in ecosystem service assessments due to their subjective nature and the inherent challenges in their spatial quantification. Addressing this gap, this study presents an innovative framework to assess the impacts of land-use and land-cover change (LULCC) on CES in the Alentejo region of Portugal, a dynamic landscape undergoing significant transformation. The region's transition from extensive agro-silvo-pastoral systems, such as the traditional Montado, to more intensive agricultural practices provide a compelling case study for understanding the interplay between land-use change and CES.
The proposed framework combines geospatial modeling, participatory GIS (PPGIS), and stakeholder engagement to capture and quantify CES under two future scenarios for 2050: A1 - Montado Conservation, and A2 - Intensive Agriculture. Each scenario reflects distinct trajectories of land-use management and policy priorities, offering a comparative analysis of CES supply, demand, and spatial distribution. Geospatial tools are employed to model land-use patterns and assess the resulting CES dynamics, while PPGIS methodologies facilitate the incorporation of local knowledge and stakeholder preferences into the evaluation process.
Preliminary findings suggest that maintaining traditional Montado systems under the A1 scenario preserves higher levels of CES, particularly in recreation, cultural heritage, and aesthetic value. Conversely, the A2 scenario, driven by intensive agricultural expansion, is associated with significant losses in CES, potentially undermining community well-being and regional cultural identity.
This research contributes to the theoretical and methodological advancement of CES assessment by integrating spatial analysis with participatory approaches, bridging the gap between quantitative modelling and qualitative insights. It aligns with global sustainability initiatives, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, providing actionable recommendations for land-use planning and policy development at local and regional scales. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of incorporating CES into broader frameworks for ecosystem service assessment, offering a replicable methodology for other regions facing similar challenges.
By addressing the spatial and subjective dimensions of CES, this study not only enhances our understanding of the impacts of LULCC but also highlights the potential of emerging geospatial technologies and participatory tools in fostering resilient, inclusive, and culturally rich landscapes. The findings aim to inform planners, policymakers, and researchers on the critical need to balance ecological conservation with socio-cultural priorities in land-use planning processes, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and equitable urban and rural systems.
Acknowledgments
This study was funded by FCT - “Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia”, Portugal, under the Project 2023.11164.PEX.
| Keywords | Cultural ecosystem services; land-use/land-cover change; geospatial modeling; participatory GIS |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
