Network of Methods for Analysis and Reconstruction of Ecosystem Services in the Pirin Mountains, Southeastern Europe

Abstract

ABSTRACTMountains are considered as ‘hotspots of biodiversity’, and contain many ecosystems with rather low anthropogenic influence, particularly at higher altitudes. These ecosystems are exceptionally fragile and subject to both natural and anthropogenic drivers of change. A holistic scientific approach to the management of ecosystem services is required to ensure that local and transnational social activities are directed effectively to solving problems at the interface between these dynamic driving forces and biodiversity. This requires the development and effective use of a multidisciplinary evaluation approach. Such an ‘ecosystem services method’ (ESM) has been recently developed by the Dresden partner working group. It aims to improve the capacity of ecosystems to deliver ecosystem services, by focusing on the conservation of their structural diversity and multi-functionality. This is shown on the hand of case studies for the Pirin National Park.