The role of ecosystem services in the design of agroecological transitions in Spain

Abstract

We can pursue a more resilient and sustainable future if both agriculture and the food system evolve driven by a new model based on agroecology. By applying ecological principles, agroecological farming adapts to local resources, closes biomass and nutrient cycles, and enhances soil biological activity, as well as soil conservation and regeneration. We explore new approaches based on the conceptualization of archetypes to identify which areas comply better with an agroecological transition that entails rebalancing of provisioning, regulating and cultural ecosystem services.In this spirit we apply map algebra to assess the improvement of ecosystem services in Spain guided by regional planning which is fully aware of the food chain and ensures resource management respectful of ecological processes.We put forward three major strategies: prioritize agricultural de-intensification policies in areas with both insufficient provisioning and poor regulating ecosystem services, (3,3 million ha); provide public support for an agroecological transition intertwined with the re-localization of food systems in peri-urban and rural areas well suited for provisioning ecosystem services, so as to reinforce their functions regarding soil retention and groundwater quality regulating services (13,6 million ha); and promote peri-urban areas with potential either as agroecological living labs or as ecological living labs, the latter corresponding to areas not suitable for food production adhering to ecosystem regeneration processes.