Human perceptions of cultural ecosystem services of semi-natural grasslands: The influence of plant communities

Abstract

Grasslands provide numerous cultural ecosystem services (CES). Although research on CES is increasing, the role of plant communities in human perception is less studied. Hence, the aim of our study was to determine the relationship between the type of grassland community and the perception of CES. The research was based on the survey conducted among tourists in the Pieniny Mountains, Southern Poland. It included six photographs of the grassland communities and a set of questions concerning the perception of CES. The results showed that different types of analysed grassland communities vary significantly in terms of CES provision. Thus, when researching CES, they should not be classified as the land use type with only one common value. Inspiration and joy are highly dependent on plant community, whereas spiritual values and strengthening social bonds are provided on a similar level regardless of the plant community. Furthermore, all analysed plant communities (with exception of grazed pasture) provide analysed CES to a certain extent which confirms the available research on bundles of CES. Our study also revealed the influence of biological, and socio-demographic factors (gender, age and place of residence) on perception. Hence, the management of grasslands for CES requires consideration of all these aspects.