Analytical Hierarchy Method for Evaluating the Environmental Sustainability in the Context of Ecosystem Services Enhancing: A Case Study of the Biosphere Reserve, Ukraine

Abstract

Abstract The ability of natural systems to provide services is critical to the sustainability of the environment. The increasing environmental pressures necessitate the creation of conditions conducive to the preservation and sustainability of natural ecosystems. A review of similar studies reveals that when evaluating ecosystem services, more consideration should be given to evaluating ecosystem stability. The Ukrainian Biosphere Reserve was chosen as the study polygon due to its importance as a conservation area and the diversity of natural ecosystems. The Analytical Hierarchy Method, in this case, provides a very straightforward way to analyze such complicated systems. The first step is to identify and value the services offered by the Biosphere Reserve’s wetland, forest, and aquatic ecosystems. Then, four criteria (C1–C4) and impacts (P1–Pn) that directly affect the ecological sustainability of a certain ecosystem within each criterion were identified. The overall weight of each impact on specific ecosystem sustainability was computed and estimated to reach the main goal (G). The integrated ecological stability evaluation index (CEI) was then calculated using the overall weight values. Wetland and forest ecosystem indices were calculated to be 0.63 and 0.64, indicating that these systems are moderately stable. The stability index for aquatic ecosystems is 0.75, indicating that the system is ecologically stable. As a result, it is critical to focus on reducing negative factors affecting wetlands and forest ecosystems, such as sylvatization and/or recreational activities, to strengthen ecosystem stability and the ability to provide services.