Abstract
Multifunctional landscapes optimise the benefits for stakeholders by providing multiple demanded ecosystem services (ESs) within the same area. Although previous studies have indicated human-induced trajectories of landscape pattern and ESs supply in the European Alps, relationships between these aspects and the implications for landscape multifunctionality are little studied. In this case study in the Austrian Alps, we revealed significant changes in landscape pattern, a significant decline in provisioning ESs and an increase in cultural and regulating ESs between 1860 and 2015. Overall, multifunctionality (i.e., the sum of ESs) decreased from 1860 to the middle of the twentieth century and increased afterwards. These changes in multifunctionality can be explained by climate- and human-induced changes in landscape composition, particularly by an increase in the diversity of land use/land cover (LULC) types and a decrease in glacier and unused grassland areas. Landscape composition has been altered by inhabitants as economic focus shifted from agriculture to tourism. Our findings improve the understanding of interlinkages between changes in socioeconomic characteristics, LULC, landscape patterns and multiple ESs. Moreover, we indicate the importance of low-intensity agricultural activities and landscape protection to enhance multifunctionality in tourism-oriented land use systems.
Highlights
In order to fulfil multiple social, cultural, ecological and economic needs, multifunctional landscapes offer the capability to provide a high diversity and abundance of ecosystem services (ESs) within a defined area (Stürck and Verburg, 2016)
In the European Alps, land use was historically optimised for provisioning ESs like agricultural products and raw materials, which were the basis of rural livelihoods
Obergurgl has its main focus on winter and skiing tourism, whereas in Vent tourism is more balanced between summer and winter
Summary
In order to fulfil multiple social, cultural, ecological and economic needs, multifunctional landscapes offer the capability to provide a high diversity and abundance of ecosystem services (ESs) within a defined area (Stürck and Verburg, 2016). Multifunctionality is essential for developing sustainable and resilient landscapes in order to withstand the challenges of global change and to meet the needs of future generations (Kato and Ahern, 2009; Reyers et al, 2012). Imbued with these ideas, multifunctionality has become a key concept in land use policies with a strong focus on agricultural land use systems (Council of Europe, 2000; FAO, 1999; Maier and Shōbayashi, 2001; Tait, 2016; Wiggering et al, 2003).
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