Characterizing the cultural ecosystem services of coastal sand dunes

Abstract

Coastal sand dunes provide an array of important benefits that are supported by coastal geomorphic processes and location-specific ecosystems, including direct and indirect economic benefits to humans. Coastal sand dune ecosystems are ecologically important, but their specific values and uses are little studied, poorly understood, and underappreciated. Michigan, USA, is home to the largest land area of freshwater coastal sand dunes in the world. This study used an online survey that allowed participants to record the types of activities in which they engaged during visits and respond to questions about the importance of the cultural ecosystem services of coastal sand dunes. The survey captured the responses of 3610 individuals, a majority of whom rated scenic beauty, protection for future generations, protection of a unique ecosystem, and outdoor recreation as extremely important or very important. The survey results provide some preliminary insights into the role of cultural ecosystem services of coastal sand dunes in providing and sustaining benefits for humans and how these benefits and values are perceived by the public. These insights have important implications for policy makers responsible for coastal zone management in the Great Lakes region and in other areas characterized by coastal sand dunes ecosystems.