Indicators for mapping and assessment of ecosystem condition and of the ecosystem service habitat maintenance in support of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020

Elena Hadjicharalampous,Dimitris Palaskas,Dania Malak,Lena Hatziiordanou,Eleni Fitoka,Nefta Votsi

doi:10.3897/oneeco.4.e32704

Abstract

A systematic approach to map and assess the “maintenance of nursery populations and habitats” ecosystem service (ES) (hereinafter called “habitat maintenance”) has not yet emerged. In this article, we present an ecosystem service framework implementation at landscape level, by proposing an approach for calculating and combining a series of indicators with spatial modelling techniques. Necessary conceptual elements for this approach are: a) ecosystem condition, b) supply and demand of the targeted ecosystem service and c) spatial relationships between the Service Providing Units (SPU) and the Service Connecting Units (SCU). Ecosystem condition is quantified and mapped based on two indicators, the Biodiversity State and the Anthropogenic Impact. Quantification and mapping of supply and demand are based on the hypothesis that high supply can be activated in strictly protected areas and that a demand is localised in the Natura 2000 sites (N2K), considering them as the Service Benefit Areas (SBA). Wetlands are assessed as SCU between the SBA and the landscape areas where the habitat maintenance ES is supplied. By assessing wetlands as SCU, we intent to highlight their role as biodiversity stepping stones and as green infrastructures. Overall, we conclude that the EU biodiversity policy demand for no net loss and for a coherent N2K network can be met by enhancing the delivery of the habitat maintenance ES. This approach can assist policy-makers in prioritisation of conservation and restoration targets, in line with the EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the preparation of the post-2020 Strategy.

Highlights

Over the last few years, the need to incorporate Ecosystem Service (ES) assessment into the EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 (Target 2) has been continuously expressed in science reports and in the context of the EU policy initiatives to halt the loss of biodiversity and to ensure that the natural capital is sustainably managed
For Service Benefit Areas (SBAs), we considered the N2K sites, given that a specific demand for the habitat maintenance supply is localised in the N2K network, which support the conservation of habitats and species of Community interest, listed under both the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive, the cornerstones of the EU’s biodiversity policy
They are located in High Nature Value (HNV) landscape units of herbaceous vegetation

Summary

Introduction

Over the last few years, the need to incorporate Ecosystem Service (ES) assessment into the EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 (Target 2) has been continuously expressed in science reports and in the context of the EU policy initiatives to halt the loss of biodiversity and to ensure that the natural capital is sustainably managed. The EU policy response to biodiversity loss faces the challenge to maintain areas of high biodiversity value both within and outside the Natura 2000 (N2K) sites, through the implementation of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, as underlined under Target 1 of the Biodiversity Strategy. Both Directives underscore the importance of wetland ecosystems as stepping stones or connecting ecosystems that, if adequately conserved / managed, can improve the coherence, connectivity and resilience of the N2K network. Wetland conservation measures need to be implemented at landscape scale, to ensure the maintenance of species in broad geographic areas (i.e. Naugle et al 2001)

Methods

Results

Conclusion