Using Analytic Hierarchy Process to Map and Quantify the Ecosystem Services in Oualidia Lagoon, Morocco

Abstract

This research presents an approach to assess the ecosystem services (ES) flow in the Oualidia lagoon in Morocco combining geographic information systems (GIS) and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). We evaluated the flow of 15 ES divided into regulating, provisioning, and cultural categories in 20 CORINE land-cover classes found in the lagoon area. To determine the total ES flow, we used an expert-based scoring approach for each of the CORINE LULC classes. Geographically the results comprised not only the immediate lagoon proximity but also area south of the lagoon. The highest combined ES flows were estimated in the forested, semi-natural (beaches and dunes), and agriculture areas, as well as water features (ocean and lagoon channel), while in artificial areas the ES delivery was the lowest. We expect our results to serve as a guide for land planners and decision-makers, providing an example of support for the nature management strategy for other coastal regions in Morocco and elsewhere.