Concept Of Ecosystem Services Research Articles

Making explicit an Ecosystem Services indicator as a policy instrument

ABSTRACT Some policy-oriented concepts such as Ecosystem Services (ESS) remain widely utilized, despite obvious difficulties in operationalizing them. How does the concept persist? In a large EU Horizon 2020 project, researchers from different institutes worked together to develop an indicator of the environmental performance of agricultural practices, expressed in terms of ESS. Two observations of this project help to explain how ESS are progressively turned into a socially shared concept that may transform its environment and perpetuate itself. Firstly, the challenges of operationalizing ESS facilitated the formation of a group of researchers dedicated to the concept. As the project advanced, researchers progressively cut ties with the environmental sciences on which ESS are meant to be based. The interpretive flexibility of the ESS concept contributed to shaping the socially shared reality within which it was situated. Secondly, the legal obligations and procedures of the Horizon 2020 project were an essential factor for the constitutive strength of the ESS concept. As a straitjacket, the grant agreement ensured that the project maintained the researcher-indicator relationship. Thus, researchers were persistently oriented towards developing and expanding the ESS concept. This case illustrates how a research project can be formed and maintained around relatively ill-defined concepts in large consortia that are meant to produce policy-relevant science.

Aligning nature-based solutions with ecosystem services in the urban century

In an increasingly urbanized world, the concepts of ecosystem services and nature-based solutions can help tackle grand challenges. However, ambiguity in their definitions and in the relationship between the two concepts complicates comprehensive research efforts as well as their effective application in policy and planning in urban systems. This paper presents a framework to clarify and explicitly relate the two concepts, enhancing their applicability in the management of urban challenges. Within the framework, addressing urban challenges serves as the starting point for the development and implementation of nature-based solutions. Nature-based solutions alter the flows of ecosystem services that are produced by an ecosystem by altering the performance of the ecosystem or by changing how people engage with the ecosystem. This results both in changes in the target ecosystem services, as well as non-targeted ecosystem services, leading to benefits. Using two illustrative case studies, we show how the framework can be applied to two urban challenges that are expected to increase in intensity in cities across the world: stormwater management and urban heat stress. Moreover, we highlight key research topics that will benefit from more integrated use of nature-based solutions and ecosystem services. The framework helps emphasize co-benefits, and can be used to help make co-benefits and multifunctionality explicit in urban decision-making and planning processes.

A Review of Research on Progress in the Theory and Practice of Eco-Product Value Realization

The value realization of ecological products is currently a rapidly evolving research topic; however, the definition of its concept, type, and operation mechanism remains relatively ambiguous. Operating in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, this review employs keyword retrieval and screening, utilizing VOSviewer and word cloud mapping for analysis, in order to reveal three primary research domains related to ecological product value realization. Based on thorough screening and the analysis of high-quality literature, this study comprehensively accomplished the following objectives: (1) clarifying the fundamental concepts of ecosystem services and ecological products, their interrelationships, and the scope of research on ecological products; (2) clarifying the basic connotation of realizing the value of ecological products; (3) demonstrating government-led approaches, market-driven approaches and collaborative pathways for realizing the value of ecological products; (4) reviewing international cases related to realizing the value of public ecological products, quasi-public ecological products, and operational ecological products. The academic contributions of this study are (1) expanding the theoretical framework for realizing the value of ecological products; (2) providing a Chinese perspective on global research on pathways to realize value from ecological products; and (3) offering a novel approach to revitalizing regional economies and improving local ecological environments. Based on this research, several shortcomings and future directions in this field are identified: (1) insufficient clarity, standardization, and uniformity in evaluation and measurement methods; (2) the absence of comparison between ecological products and urban economic products; (3) inadequate exploration of multi-stakeholder allocation and coordination mechanisms; (4) limited research on the role of capital markets in allocating ecological product resources.

Integrating monetary and non-monetary valuation for ecosystem services in Piatra Craiului national park, Southern Carpathians: a comprehensive approach to sustainability and conservation

The concept of ecosystem services and their valuation has gained significant attention in recent years due to the profound interdependence and interconnectedness between humans and ecosystems. As several studies on valuation of forest ecosystem services have stressed the human-nature interactions lately, in the research study area, the environmental conditions shows rapid changes while human pressures on forests intensify. Thus, the research questions are as follows: (i) what are the the monetary and non-monetary value of ecosystem services provided by forests in Piatra Craiului National Park and (ii) their relationship with other variables, focusing on identifying differences and resemblances between each approach. The R PASTECS package was utilized to analyze primary statistical indicators for both monetary and non-monetary values, revealing significant variability in the results (s% monetary 141% and s% non-monetary 62%). Both monetary and non-monetary assessments were computed at the management unit level and the data used was provided by the Forest Management plans and photograph analysis which have significant value as indicators of ecosystem services. The correlation between nature and culture was assessed through social-media based method, highly known to stimulate participant engagement while the quantitative data was assessed through forest data computation and PCA method for visualization. The research highlighted that, in monetary terms, the minimum value of identified ecosystem services was €34 and the maximum value exceeded €570,000 at management unit level and in non-monetary terms, the values ranged from 1 to 5 (kernel score). The research reveals a substantial variability in both types of valuations. Strong associations between certain variables (monetary value with carbon stock and stand volume), moderate connections (slope with stand productivity), and weaker relationships (non-monetary value with altitude, age with slope, type of flora with altitude, and altitude with stand productivity) were revealed. The findings provided valuable insights for policymakers, land managers, and stakeholders involved in natural resource management and conservation, emphasizing the importance of considering both economic and non-economic benefits in decision-making processes. The integrated approach of this study shows how we can better assess the mixed value of ecosystem services, contributing to the ongoing actions of raising awareness and social responsibility.

Expert knowledge-based modelling approach for mapping beekeeping suitability area

It is becoming increasingly accepted that beekeeping is declining due to the damaging effect of global changes such as climate and land-use change that directly and indirectly impact Apis Melliferas. Despite numerous investigations, a comprehensive study that incorporates both global and local knowledge has yet to be conducted. For a long time, researchers have suggested that expert knowledge should be taken into account when creating decision support tools for managing activities related to natural resources, such as beekeeping. Unlike previous studies, this research seeks to tackle these questions while also introducing the concept of ecosystem service in modelling, offering a fresh perspective on sustainable land use. To achieve this goal, we combined several methods, including using literature knowledge, beekeeper knowledge, and multi-source geospatial data. These data are employed in a hierarchical fuzzy inference system in a unified way. The proposed approach was applied in the Québec region and the suggested technique appears to be both reliable and effective. The validation step revealed that the landscape variable, particularly the area used for agriculture or grassland, had the greatest impact on changes in hive weight throughout the season. In addition, we demonstrated that meteorological factors such as rainfall and relative humidity are strongly correlated to beekeeping. We showed that access to data and knowledge can be a critical factor in decision-making in the beekeeping industry, and thus we suggest that wild-bees conservationists, decision-makers, farmers, beekeepers, and other stakeholders adopt a collaborative approach.

Enhancing multiple benefits of brownfield cleanups by applying ecosystem services concepts.

Brownfields are increasingly called upon to be transformed from potentially contaminated, often vacant properties into community assets that provide multiple benefits. Further, brownfields revitalization can provide critical opportunities and, particularly, nature-based solutions can enhance multiple ecological, human health, and economic benefits. Through a series of non-exhaustive surveys of existing examples of environmental benefits of cleanups, case study examples of brownfield cleanups achieving environmental benefits, and potential ecosystem services tools relevant to steps of a brownfields cleanup effort, we explore practical ideas for enhancing environmental benefits of brownfields cleanups by applying ecosystem services concepts. Examples of nature-based solutions, where appropriate, include the use of rain gardens, permeable pavements, green spaces, and the use of green technologies. Further, this article provides an overview of recent policy initiatives focused on nature-based solutions and enhancing ecosystem services in brownfields cleanup, revitalization, and reuse. Our goals are to increase the knowledge base on these opportunities and discuss how these concepts can be achieved through sharing success stories, making outreach materials accessible, and holding workshops to help successfully operationalize these concepts in a community's visioning for upcoming revitalization projects.

Exploring The Synergies between Flood Risk and Urban Needs - Floodplain Development In Aceh River.

A Floodplain is an area next to a riverbed that is more or less frequently covered with water in times of high-water discharges from adjacent rivers. It usually has a high environmental value because of its heterogeneous habitats for wildlife species. However, the condition of rivers in each country could be unique and different, because of their history and location thus creating a different nuance. The object study of this research is a constructed floodway and flood plain in Krueng Aceh (Aceh River) owned and managed by the local government. Since the last big flood in 2000, this wide flat land remained dry in several areas and was used by some villagers to make a living. In 2020 it had cleared from several illegal land uses, resulted a grassland floodplain with low-intensity use which in theory is in a good direction. Meanwhile, in the perspective of urban needs, river development could also bring economic, social, and environmental benefits to community. The objective of this study is to investigate the concept of ecosystem services and human-landscape connectivity. The method used in this research is semi-qualitative research that combines theories and observation. In the context of ecosystem services identification through activities monitoring, it shows that cultural and provision services is the highest while regulating and supporting services still need further research. As for human-landscape connectivity, there are more ‘rooms’/spaces to develop align with the availability of cultural services.

Biodiversity and ecosystem services: Complementary approach for catchment protection and land use in northeastern Poland

The concept of ecosystem services introduced a new view on the relationship between biodiversity and goods of human well-being. Are both ideas, biodiversity and ecosystem services, mutually beneficial for catchment protection? We aimed to explore how and to what extent specified the environmental and economic criteria determined the protection and urban land use intensity in the catchment in northeastern Poland. The relation between biodiversity, ecosystem services and land use intensity was made using 14 criteria that are also weights in the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Borda multi-criteria decision analysis by using open public data resources, such as the Topographic Objects Database, digital terrain model, forms of nature protection, the database of recognised deposits of natural resources, geological map portals, Urban Spatial Information System and information on flood hazard areas, and open-source applications across the catchment.A combined procedure including categories of land cover elements, i.e. spatial objects of the surface, land use intensity and multi-criteria decision-making model, finally determined different variants for catchment biodiversity areas, from best (Variant 15) to worst (Variant 5) from 16 variants total. The spatial results showed that biodiversity and ecosystem services show an evident decline with increased land use intensity. Biodiversity was negatively correlated with the built-up areas and intensive land use in the central part of the catchment, but positively with which concerns the initial and final reaches of the river. The main factor affecting biodiversity was the distance of the river valley sections in the catchment area from the developed space of the city centre.Results suggest that biodiversity conservation in the catchment is needed for high biodiversity and low-intensity land use. For most green and agricultural areas with multifunctional benefits and, a good state is required compromise for ecosystem services and biodiversity. The functioning of the built-up areas and intensively used for humans is described only by the value of provisioning ecosystem services.

A drought and heat risk assessment framework for urban green infrastructure

AbstractUrban green infrastructure (UGI) is a prominent concept toward climate adaptation and urban resilience, but it is also affected by droughts and heat. Hence, this study aims to advance the multi‐assessment of drought and heat risks (DHRs) for UGI through the DHR assessment framework with conceptual and methodological features, paving the way toward knowledge creation and decision support. The framework was systematically developed, starting with defining the situation, analyzing concepts, and finally, constructing the framework. The situation is interpreted as a coupled human and natural system to represent the biophysical and immaterial elements, processes, and interrelations. Further, the concepts of risk, UGI, and ecosystem services lead to a risk system showing the compound hazards, the exposure, and the cascading vulnerabilities of the UGI. The DHR assessment framework distinguishes two stages, multi‐risk analysis and multi‐criteria risk evaluation. The analysis includes the definition and interpretation of the UGI situation under drought and heat conditions, analyzing the hazards, exposures, and vulnerabilities of the system, and translating the risk system into an indicator‐based information system. Hereby, the vulnerability analysis of the biophysical UGI aspects comprises the susceptibility and resilience of UGI entities, as well as the degree to which providing ecosystem functions and services can be affected. The multi‐criteria risk evaluation covers the assignment of thresholds and weights for indicators, in addition to the aggregation methods. The resulting framework intends to support local actors in the risk assessment of current and future conditions, fostering evidence‐based decisions and interventions to deal with compound DHRs.

Let’s Do It for Real: Making the Ecosystem Service Concept Operational in Regional Planning for Climate Change Adaptation

The application of ecosystem service (ES) knowledge to planning processes and decision-making can lead to more effective climate change adaptation. Despite the increased attention given to the ES concept, its degree of integration and use in spatial planning processes are still below the expectations of those who are promoting this concept. Barriers hindering its operationalisation cover a span of aspects ranging from theoretical to procedural and methodological issues. Overall, there is a general lack of guidance on how and at what point ES knowledge should be integrated into planning processes. This study aims to promote the inclusion of ES knowledge into spatial planning practices and decision-making processes to enhance climate change adaptation. A replicable GIS-based methodology is proposed. First, the potential supply of ESs that can support climate change adaptation (ESCCAs) is defined, mapped, and quantified. Then, a need for an ESCCA supply is identified, and territorial capacities to respond to the expected climate change impacts on natural and socio-economic sectors are assessed. The methodology is applied to the Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region (Italy) as an illustrative case study. The results reveal that areas with similar geomorphological characteristics tend to respond similarly. Forest ecosystems, inland wetlands and specifically salt marshes can potentially supply a greater variety of ESCCAs. In the case study area, about 62% of the supplied ESCCAs can contribute to reducing the impacts in more than 50% of the impacted sectors. The territory of the study site generally shows good preparedness for expected impacts in most of the analysed sectors; less prepared areas are characterised by agricultural ecosystems. This reading approach based on land cover analyses can thus assist in developing policies to enhance different territorial capacities, ultimately leading to better and more sustainable decision-making.

The concept of ecosystem services and the formation of legal bases for the monetization of services provided by forest ecosystems in the conditions of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine

The concept of ecosystem services and the formation of legal bases for the monetization of services provided by forest ecosystems in the conditions of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AS THE OBJECT OF INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION

The concept of ecosystem services embodies an ideological framework, serves as a subject for fundamental research, provides methodological groundwork for applied projects, offers a practical approach to natural resource management, acts as a platform for international governmental and non-governmental collaboration, and serves as a means of knowledge production. The article presents the results of a systematic literature analysis focused on identifying key research trends in the field of ecosystem services that need further attention and development. It also highlights promising directions for transdisciplinary collaboration in the implementation and management of ecosystem services. Research methods involved iterative information retrieval, analysis of scientific papers, and review of contemporary methodological approaches. Based on the processed sources, seven comprehensive research directions of ecosystem services and twenty branches were identified. Ecosystem services are characterized as boundary objects. The main findings point to the need for integration of scientific disciplines, involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, and consolidation of development perspectives across various fields to achieve a compromise between ecosystem services utilization and conservation. The role of boundary organizations in achieving these goals is emphasized. An insufficient integration between social and ecological disciplines in Ukrainian science is identified along with probable reasons for this situation. The conclusions underscore the importance of a transdisciplinary approach to ecosystem services research. Future research prospects include expanding collaboration between researchers and practitioners, as well as refining methodological approaches for comprehensive ecosystem services study.

Integrated mapping of ecosystems and assessment of forest ecosystem services at river basin scale

Ecosystems provide various goods and services to society and their valuation is among the main objectives of the concept of ecosystem services (ES). The mapping of ecosystems is the main building block of the whole process of the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES). The analyses of the ecosystem data produced during the implementation of the national methodology for mapping ecosystems in Bulgaria (MAES BG) reveal some problems that may cause confusion in cases of integrated assessment of all ecosystem types. In this paper, we present an approach that enables formulation of a uniform spatial dataset based on the mapping of the main ecosystem types, that can be used for mapping of ES at a river basin scale. It has been applied to the upper part of the Ogosta River basin and the result is a topologically correct uniform spatial data layer. The approach gives one possible solution to problems related to the different sources of information and the discrepancies between ecosystem types in the national mapping of ecosystems in Bulgaria. It is based on the use of a uniform spatial framework that outlines the ecosystem types and sets the initial database for further mapping. This ensures a topologically correct spatial dataset for the ecosystems and a background for further updates for each ecosystem at the different levels of MAES typology. The most appropriate spatial basis for the territory of Bulgaria is the database for the physical blocks of the Ministry of Interior. Its application to the studied river basin gives encouraging results and can be used as an example for similar areas. Further development of the approach will ensure the mapping of the forest ecosystems at level 3 of the MAES BG typology and more precise delineation of the grassland, heathland, freshwater, and sparsely vegetated ecosystems.

A process perspective of conceptual innovation: Integrating equity in applications of the ecosystem services concept in Ireland

The ecosystem services (ES) concept emerged as a metaphor to demonstrate humanity’s dependence on the natural environment and is increasingly applied to frame human-nature relationships in conservation science, policy and practice. This paper aims to enhance understanding of how the ES concept is applied for ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation in the Irish context, with further applicability to international contexts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved in ES research, policy and practice to understand and reflect a variety of perspectives. Three contexts of ecosystem management in Ireland are examined as focal points for the ES framing: natural capital and ES research; Agri-Environment schemes as types of Payments for ES; and collaborative forms of governance for peatland conservation. Specifically, we examine the idea of conceptual innovation as a process where concepts evolve in time and space as they are applied by different societal actors. The contexts examined demonstrate a variety of perceptions and show the scope for agency in how concepts are applied when they meet local realities. The research also demonstrates how alternative concepts and ideas are continuously emerging in societal discourse, and suggests the need to develop ‘networks of concepts’ that can work together to manage the politics, power relations and inequities inherent in the application of any concept. Fostering transparency and reflection on values, language and how knowledge is produced helps make visible power dynamics underlying the ES concept and encourages the development of ES approaches that are effective, inclusive and actionable. Developing concepts from a process perspective has implications for changing the course of a concept as its future unfolds. Following from this, we suggest the need to map an emancipatory future agenda for ES research that centres the voices of those researching, participating and acting ‘from the margins’.

A shift from individual species to ecosystem services effect: Introducing the Eco-indicator Sensitivity Distribution (EcoSD) as an ecosystem services approach to redefining the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) for soil ecological risk assessment.

Incorporating the ecosystem services (ES) approach into soil ecological risk assessment (ERA) has been advocated over the years, but implementing the approach in ERA faces some challenges. However, several researchers have made significant improvements to the soil ERA, such as applying the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) to discern chemical effects on the soil ecosystem. Despite the considerable contributions of SSD to ERA, SSD fails to relate chemical impact on individual species to ES and account for functional redundancy as well as soil ecosystem complexity. Here, we introduce the Eco-indicator Sensitivity Distribution (EcoSD). An EcoSD fits ecological functional groups and soil processes, termed "eco-indicators," instead of individual species responses to a statistical distribution. These eco-indicators are related directly to critical ecosystem functions that drive ES. We derived an EcoSD for cadmium as a model chemical and estimated a soil ecosystem protection value (EcoPVSoil) based on the eco-indicator dataset for cadmium from the literature. The EcoSD identified nitrogen cycling as the critical process disrupted by cadmium. A key advantage of EcoSD is that it identifies key ecological and chemical indicators of an ES effect. In doing so, it links chemical monitoring results to sensitive ecological functions. The estimated EcoPVSoil for cadmium was slightly more protective of the soil ecosystem than most regional soil values derived from this study's dataset and soil guideline values from the literature. Thus, EcoSD has proven to be a practical and valuable ES concept with the potential to serve as an initial step of the tiered ERA approach. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1166-1179. © 2023 SETAC.

An Ecosystem Valuation for Enhanced Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Kabul River Basin

An Ecosystem Valuation for Enhanced Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Kabul River Basin

A national scale web mapping platform for mainstreaming ecosystem services in Greece

This study outlines the conceptualisation and development of a public participation geographic information system (ppGIS) and web GIS (webGIS) platform for hosting, visualizing, and updating ecosystem services (ES) related data at national scale through participatory mapping. The ppGIS/webGIS is developed within the framework of the LIFE-IP 4 Natura, a project has received the most substantial nature-focused funding scheme for Greece approved by the European Commission. One of the project's central goals is the mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services (MAES) in Greece. This initiative contributes to the implementation of Action 5 of Target 2 of the European Union (EU) Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, following the standard EU MAES guidelines. The LIFE-IP 4 Natura online mapping infrastructure hosts and visualizes spatially explicit maps and information produced earlier in the project at a national level. It also provides a mechanism for updating this baseline information via public participation, thereby fostering increased public awareness of the necessity for ecosystem protection, conservation, and management. Following a multi-stakeholder user requirement analysis, the herein presented ppGIS/webGIS platform is designed and developed. The platform incorporates various geospatial data explorers (GDE), ppGIS services for local and national public participation, geotools and data, visual content representation, and an introductory-level knowledge repository for ES (ES-pedia). An, overview of the platform's preliminary usage is presented, and its potential in promoting the uptake and mainstreaming of the ES concept is discussed.

Stakeholders’ perceptions of wetland conservation and restoration in Wakiso District, Uganda

AbstractNatural wetlands are critically important to the lives and livelihoods of many people. Human activities result in the degradation of wetlands globally, and more so in developing countries prioritizing fast economic growth and development. With an increasing population in their immediate surroundings, wetlands in Wakiso District, Uganda, have become over-exploited to meet human needs. Policies, plans and projects have been put in place aiming at wetland conservation and restoration, but with limited stakeholder participation, have achieved limited success. Our research objective was to identify stakeholders, their perceptions, and understand the role these perceptions play in wetland conservation and restoration activities. To achieve these objectives, we used the ecosystem services concept within a qualitative, multi-site case study research approach. Findings show that stakeholders hold divergent perceptions on wetland ecosystem services, perceiving them as source of materials, fertile places for farming, cheap to buy and own, as well as being “God-given”. Furthermore, wetlands as habitats are perceived as not prioritized by central government. Implications for conservation and restoration vary with stakeholders advocating for (1) over-use, wise-use or not-use of wetlands and their resources, (2) educating and sensitization as well as (3) the implementation of the available laws and policies. This paper explores the findings and important implications for the conservation and restoration of wetlands in Wakiso District, Uganda.

Assessment of urban ecosystem condition and ecosystem services in Shenzhen based on the MAES analysis framework

Rapid urbanization has led to a reduction in the capacity of urban ecosystems to provide essential services. Understanding the interplay between urban ecosystem condition (EC), ecosystem service (ES) capacity and environmental stress is important for achieving sustainable economic and social development. Taking Shenzhen, a representative region of rapid urbanization in China, as an example, this study analyzed the evolution of urban EC and spatial and temporal patterns of key ESs from 2000 to 2020. With reference to the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) framework and its indicators, the analysis process used the InVEST model and empirical statistical methods. The spatial and temporal geographically weighted regression (GTWR) model was used to determine how the ESs responded to EC. The results demonstrated a tendency of increased environmental stress and degraded EC in the urban ecosystem during the study period. The supply of ESs was on the decline, with runoff retention and microclimate regulation showing significant declines, while noise reduction showed an upward tendency. ESs had an overall “east-high-west-low” spatial pattern. In terms of response relationships, the regulating and cultural services were mainly negatively correlated with PM10 concentration, temperature, and the percentage of construction land and positively correlated with vegetation cover. There was spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the mechanism of EC influence on specific services. The percentage of construction land was the key negative influencing factor, indicating that urban expansion exacerbates the decrease in the supply of ESs. The results of the study also provided evidence that the MAES analysis framework can accurately analyze environmental problems in urban ecosystems and offer a practical solution for urban ecosystem assessments. For the sustainable development of urban ecosystems, it is advised that the ES concept be included as a key decision factor in the development of urban planning policies.

Supply and demand mismatch analysis to improve regulating ecosystem services in Mediterranean urban areas: Insights from four Italian Municipalities

Cities are nowadays facing compelling environmental and climatic challenges that threaten human health and well-being; for this reason, enhancing their sustainability and resilience has rapidly ascended to the top of the global and regional political Agenda. The Urban Green Infrastructure represents a key factor in enhancing the environmental quality of cities, and its planning should be steered by a scientifically-sound operationalisation of the Ecosystem Services concept. In this work, we assess the Ecosystem Services mismatch for air quality regulation in four Italian Municipalities (Milan, Bologna, Rome, and Bari), considering the O3 and PM10 pollution; the study frames a geographical gradient (North-South) and has been conducted on a seasonal basis. We propose a composite-indicatorbased approach for estimating the supply and demand of said Ecosystem Services, including the dimensions of air quality and human health, using both geospatial and tabular data. The spatial and temporal features of mismatch allow distinguishing concerns depending on vegetation quantity (green space areas) and quality (functional diversity), structure of urban settlements and cross-cutting criticalities among cities, and to highlight common indicators of mismatch and priority areas for upcoming interventions.We found that northern cities (Milan and Bologna) suffer a high mismatch, as a result of poor air quality and limited vegetation abundance and functional diversity; southern cities experienced lower demand related to air quality; however, the high mismatch is driven by urban settlement structure and population vulnerability. We also found that compact urbanisation, namely dense urban fabric and the increasing buildings’ height, is linked to a marked mismatch regardless of the city’s dimension and geographical location.We believe such an effort is a fundamental step for translating the Ecosystem Services conceptual framework into the development plans of cities, and thus into concrete actions.Plus, as far as we know, this is one of the first studies explicitly linking urban structure indicators (e.g. building heights and compactness of the urban settlements) to the Ecosystem Services’ mismatch.