Ecosystem functions at the island scale: a contribution to the design of ecological structure

Marta Vergílio,Peter V August,Helena Calado,Catarina Fonseca

doi:10.1080/21513732.2017.1388290

Marta Vergílio, Peter V August + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/21513732.2017.1388290

Copy DOI

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe concept of ecological structure (ESt), as implemented through spatial planning, has been recently used to protect ecosystem functions (EFs) and services and their contribution to human well-being. This study intends to provide an exploratory analysis to operationalize the inclusion of EFs in the design of ESt in territories lacking detailed individual studies on EFs. The objective is to advance this concept in small island ecosystems and use Pico Island (Portugal) as case study. The proposed methodology identifies EFs contributing to the objectives of ESt. It uses (i) geographic data available from studies on individual EFs and (ii) definition of territorial units (TUs), based on biophysical features, used as cartographic units to assign and map remaining EFs. A total of 15 EFs were selected among three main categories: natural regulation (10), support (3) and cultural (2) functions. Geographic data are available for carbon storage and groundwater recharge. To assign the remaining EFs, a total of 86 TUs were defined. The performed analysis suggested that the use of EFs, along with multi-criteria decision-making techniques, could successfully contribute to define ESt and integrate it into spatial planning on Pico Island and other small islands systems.EDITED BY Christina von Haaren

Highlights

The concept of conservation has been gradually changing in recent decades; from the protection of species to the protection of whole ecosystems, their concomitant functions and contributions to human wellbeing through the provision of ecosystem services ([MEA] Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005)
A successful stakeholder engagement process contributing to design the ecological structure (ESt) might be crucial to successfully implement it, as suggested by Kopperoinen et al (2014): By involving both experts and local and regional actors in assessing ES [ecosystem services] provision potential we can add local knowledge to the general scientific understanding. (. . .) The group discussions involved in our method provided an additional benefit, as the experts and local and regional actors felt that this discussion platform enhanced their understanding of both Green infrastructure (GI) [green infrastructure] and ES [ecosystem services]
The method contributes to the definition of ESt, one of the elements integrating Portuguese Municipal Master Plans (MMPs)

Summary

Introduction

The concept of conservation has been gradually changing in recent decades; from the protection of species to the protection of whole ecosystems, their concomitant functions and contributions to human wellbeing through the provision of ecosystem services ([MEA] Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005). This approach has been encouraged in application of spatial planning and management, with a conscious integration of the protection and enhancement of natural processes and functions through ecological structure (ESt) (COM 2013). Small island systems are especially amendable to this approach since they must consider ecological and economic goals in relatively small, complex landscapes

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion