Identification Of Ecosystem Services Research Articles

Connecting Water Quality and Ecosystem Services for Valuation and Assessment of a Groundwater Reserve Area in South-East Mexico

Even though the role of ecosystem services is known, the identification and assessment of water-related services is usually absent or often less represented as an ecosystem service. Progress in water quality indicator definition and compliance with regulations has been made; however, the relationship between water quality degradation and benefits to individuals and ecosystems remains little recognized. Here, we present an assessment of water quality and identification of ecosystem services in south-east Mexico. This study was performed within the geohydrological reserve zone of the Ring of Sinkholes, Yucatán Peninsula. Thirteen ecosystem services provided by the aquifer were identified. Water quality was evaluated in sinkholes based on national and international norms, considering different sinkhole uses. Results show a dynamic system, without saltwater intrusion and good to excellent water quality. The research demonstrates the relationship between ecosystem services and water quality, showing pressure in services related to uses for aquatic life protection and to a lesser extent those related to consumption. Current productive activities showed no pressure at this time. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) exhibited a significant difference in parameters and campaigns, but not between sinkholes. A long-lasting monitoring program for water quality is necessary to accurately evaluate the status of ecosystem services provided by the aquifer. Moreover, it is necessary to assess aquifers as ecosystems with economic, ecologic and socio-cultural importance. Effective water governance requires a balance of interests between all parties, within a legal and institutional framework.

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.

Social Perception of the Ecosystem Services of Prunus serotina subsp. capuli in the Andes of Ecuador

Ecosystem services (ES) refer to the benefits that people obtain from the ecosystem. In this sense, Prunus serotina is associated with the provision of ES; however, these services have been scarcely studied. The objective of this research was to determine the knowledge and perceptions of individuals in rural areas regarding the importance of ES, as well as the factors that influence them. Surveys were applied in three study areas (Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Cotopaxi) of the central Andes of Ecuador that detailed the sociodemographic and perception characteristics of ES based on the predefined ES of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). In the assessment, the interview data were analyzed to obtain the relationships between the variables using Spearman’s correlation in the R-studio software. The results showed that individuals’ level of education, age, and gender play an important role in variations in peoples’ knowledge of ES. A total of 21 ES were identified; the most representative services, according to their ecosystem category, were support (shelter for birds and insects and soil formation), provisioning (food, insecticide, wood, and firewood), regulation (improvement in the quality of air and climate regulation), and culture (scenic beauty and the maintenance of traditions). This analysis of the social perception of ES works as a strategy for the maintenance of Prunus serotina in the orchards and plots of families in the central Andes of Ecuador. The identification of ES through the social perception of their existence facilitates an understanding of the importance of ES in rural localities, which lays the foundation for strategies to be developed in the future for their conservation.

Self-Organizing Feature Zoning and Multiple Hotspots Identification of Ecosystem Services: How to Promote Ecological Refined Management of Chengdu-Chongqing Urban Agglomeration

Reasonable ecological function zoning is conducive to balancing ecological security and social development. Previous studies of evaluation for urban ecosystem services (ESs) have great progress. However, there is a lack of integrating ES stable hotspots into urban planning and refined management. In this research, we are interested in how hotspot identification can help promote ecological refined management. To achieve this, Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration (CY) was chosen as a case study. First, we employed coefficient of variation and linear regression to analyze ESs temporal and spatial evolution trend from 2000 to 2017. Then, the stable ES hotspots were identified in the time dimension, and the results were superimposed on the dominant function zoning map obtained by a self-organizing feature map (SOFM). Finally, the refined zoning results were obtained, and we added corresponding control measures and policy guidance. The results showed the following: (1) from 2000 to 2017, water conservation (WR) and biodiversity conservation (Sbio) in the study area fluctuated greatly and showed a significant improvement trend on the whole; soil erosion protection (Spro), carbon sequestration and oxygen production (CSOP) showed a degradation trend in a few areas; (2) the area with at least one kind of ES stable hotspot accounted for 35.22% in the study area, and only 0.8% covered the four kinds of ES hotspots; and (3) the two-level zoning system of CY-refined management was designed. Eighteen cells have been designed within five main functional zones: urban agglomeration zone, modern agricultural development zone, ecological farming zone, ecological transition zone, and core ecological protection zone. Overall, the research based on natural ecological zoning management can provide a decision-making basis for urban planning, policy making, and sustainable development.

Improving Biodiversity Offset Schemes through the Identification of Ecosystem Services at a Landscape Level

Biodiversity offsets aim to compensate the negative residual impacts of development projects on biodiversity, including ecosystem functions, uses by people and cultural values. Conceptually, ecosystem services (ES) should be considered, but in practice this integration rarely occurs. Their consideration would improve the societal impact of biodiversity offsets. However, the prioritisation of ES in a given area is still limited. We developed a framework for this purpose, applied in rangelands landscapes in Kazakhstan, in the context of uranium mining. We assumed that different landscapes provide different ES, and that stakeholders perceive ES according to their category (e.g., elders and herders) and gender. We performed qualitative, semi-structured interviews with a range of stakeholders. Using the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services, we identified 300 ES in 31 classes across 8 landscape units. We produced a systemic representation of the provision of ES across the landscapes. We showed a significant link between ES and landscape units, but not between ES and stakeholder categories or gender. Stakeholders mostly identified ES according to the location of their villages. Therefore, we suggest that the biodiversity offsets should target ES provided by the landscape unit where mining activities occur and would be most interesting in the landscapes common to all villages. By performing a systemic representation, potential impacts of some offset strategies can be predicted. The framework was therefore effective in determining a bundle of ES at a landscape scale, and in prioritising them for future biodiversity offset plans.

Variations in community perceptions of ecosystem services within the Tana River estuary, Kenya: Implications for ocean governance

Coastal communities in the Tana estuary, Kenya, rely on a variety of economic sectors linked to ecosystem services, including small-scale fisheries (SSF), commercial prawn fisheries, and tourism. Despite its environmental and social importance, the estuary has been negatively impacted by overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. As a result, developing integrated management approaches for this area is a priority. The integrated approach to ecosystem services (ES) evaluation has widespread support because it emphasizes people’s views of ecological value to human well-being and aims to provide a solution to the rapid depletion of our planet’s natural resources. This study applied mixed methods to understand the perspectives of the communities on ES. It was hypothesized that perceptions of ES differ across communities with different socioeconomic characteristics, and this hypothesis was tested in two communities (Ozi and Kipini) that share the same ecosystem but have different socioeconomic characteristics. Kipini is an area near the ocean, whereas Ozi is a rural area further upstream. Differences were noted in the valuation of cultural services, while there were similarities in provisioning and regulating services. Mangroves, other trees, and river systems were considered to have higher ES provision than the ocean, floodplains, and settlement areas. The Ozi community ranked the ocean higher than the Kipini community, even though Ozi was located further upstream from the ocean; consequently, the perception that communities benefit more from resources that they are close to could be false. The relevance of using social ES identification to determine the distribution of benefits from coastal ES is highlighted in this study and will be beneficial for informing decision-making and developing all-inclusive governance structures.

Criteria for Selecting Areas to Identify Ecosystem Services Provided by Geodiversity: A Study on the Coast of São Paulo, Brazil

Ecosystem services are essential for life. Despite traditionally focusing on biodiversity, several studies have presented the ecosystem services provided by geodiversity. However, the choice of the study area is still a step that raises doubts for the researcher. Several elements of geodiversity must occur in the area so that different ecosystem services can be identified. Thus, the selection of the study area is a crucial step of the research. This work aims to determine the criteria for the selection of potential areas for the identification of ecosystem services by geodiversity in Baixada Santista, central coast of São Paulo, Brazil. The criteria established were (i) characterization of the physical environment based on the geodiversity index map and the watershed map and (ii) description of land use based on the characterization of land use and analysis of territorial planning instruments. As a result, the watershed with high levels of geodiversity and diversity of land uses was selected. The criterion was important, as it is an area already used in soil management and different land uses can provide a variety of ecosystem services. Thus, these criteria proved to be effective in the selection of areas for the evaluation of ecosystem services by geodiversity.

Including traditional knowledge in coastal policymaking: Yaldad bay (Chiloé, southern Chile) as a case study

In this article, we describe the perception and identification of ecosystem services (ES) by people from traditional cultures (Huilliches) living in the Yaldad bay (Chiloé, southern Chile). We analyzed the temporal changes of ES through their description by children, their parents’ memories, and current perceptions. We conducted the analysis using a transdisciplinary approach, employing four methods (qualitative: children’s cognitive cartography, teacher’s survey, parent’s focus group, and quantitative: a social-ecological survey). Results show a loss of cultural services in the adults and the perception that natural resources are scarcer than five years ago. We discuss our findings in terms of current Chilean coastal zone policies, proposing that although there have been some advances, they still are insufficient to ensure a contextual socio-cultural development in coastal areas of southern Chile.

A Quantitative Study on the Identification of Ecosystem Services: Providing and Connecting Areas and Their Impact on Ecosystem Service Assessment

The spatial location relations between service-providing areas and service-demand areas determine the effective provision level of ecosystem services. Some scholars use the term ecological service flow to conceptualize the transmission path, transmission characteristics, and service benefits of the provision-oriented service type between service-providing areas and service-demand areas. A few scholars have characterized the transmission range and spatial unit characteristics of single or several ecosystem service types, such as production services and regulation services between the providing area and demand area based on landscape, region and global scale. The current literature lacks quantitative studies on the spatial location relations between providing areas and demand areas of ecosystem services and the actual level of ecosystem service provision at the municipal scale based on the demand for ecosystem services faced by cities. This study takes Jinan, China, as the research area, quantifies the providing areas, connecting areas and demand areas of seven services—namely, the air purification service, climate regulation service, flood prevention service, water pollution prevention service, water supply service, soil erosion prevention service, and habitat supply service—and analyzes the spatial relation characteristics of each element. On this basis, the Hellwig model is used to quantitatively analyze the impact of service-providing area and service-connecting area on regional overall ecosystem service assessment. The results prove that service-providing areas and service-connecting areas are the key units that affect the level of regional ecosystem service provision. The evaluation of regional ecosystem service provision level is inseparable from the identification of service-providing areas and service-connecting areas and the study of their attributes, characteristics, and spatial relations. Service-providing areas and service-connecting areas should be differentiated when developing strategies to optimize and improve the level of regional ecosystem service provision. Different optimization measures should be formulated according to the differences in unit attributes and service barriers in different areas. The results provide guidance for the optimization of ecosystem services to ensure the efficient and sustainable provision of regional ecosystem services and improve the actual benefits of service-demand groups or service-demand areas.

National Park and UNESCO Global Geopark of Chelmos-Vouraikos (Greece): Floristic Diversity, Ecosystem Services and Management Implications

This study highlights the importance of including detailed (local-scale) biodiversity and ecosystem services data for land-use management and promotion of protected areas using the National Park and UNESCO Global Geopark of Chelmos-Vouraikos (Greece) as a case study. Along with the conducted field surveys and literature review for the National Park’s flora documentation, ecosystem type mapping and assessment of ecosystem services have been performed, following National and European Union (EU) guidelines for the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) implementation across EU Member States. Main results include floristic diversity indicators, ecosystem type mapping and assessment, and ecosystem services identification and assessment of their actual and potential supply. By this, a scientifically informed baseline dataset was developed to support management and policy needs towards a holistic National Park management and a sustainable spatial planning for protected areas. Additionally, local scale ecosystem type and ecosystem services data have been produced as input for the MAES implementation in Greece and the EU.

Lessons learned from a corporate manufacturer on driving the adoption of nature-based solutions.

Companies are increasingly focused on driving the adoption of nature-based solutions across their organizations. Yet, implementing nature-based solutions within existing regulatory frameworks poses a unique set of challenges. In this paper, we present three nature-based solution case studies from The Dow Chemical Company and The Nature Conservancy's nearly 10-year collaboration. In the first case study, we focus on the potential benefits of reforestation to support the state's air quality improvement efforts. Ultimately, federal and state authorities did not approve of the reforestation project. Following this early setback, the collaboration team developed a suite of science-based tools that could be used to better advocate for government approval for the implementation of nature-based solutions. In the second case study, we highlight how one of these tools, the Ecosystem Services Identification & Inventory Tool, was used to improve communications about the benefits of nature-based solutions with regulatory agencies. In this case, Dow ultimately received approval for the restoration of a wetland to remediate an existing ash pond. Finally, the third case study highlights how engaging the right expertise through collaboration between the private sector and conservationists can improve land management strategies. Overall, this paper emphasizes the importance of robust conservation science, tools and expertise, and thoughtful collaboration as necessary means of driving the adoption of nature-based solutions both within a company and by its regulating entities. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:74-81. © 2021 SETAC.

The link between a high-mountain community and ecosystem services of juniper forests in Fann Mountains (Tajikistan)

The indigenous societies of the Fann Mountains were and remain dependent on the resources of the natural environment. The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between mountain communities and the use of ecosystem services that are subject to change due to the influence of social, economic, and political conditions. The study made use of the concept of ecosystem services, which extends the scope of analyses of the socio-ecological system to the sphere of cultural relations. The application of this approach was crucial due to the dominance of juniper forests within the ecological system, given that the juniper, as a result of its connection with religion and local traditions, considered a key species for the mountain societies. The identified structure of the ecosystem services indicates the significance of the juniper in providing the indigenous community with services which, due to the economic situation of the society are characterised by greater value (wood, food, medicine) than cultural ecosystem services. Identification of ecosystem services taking into account the concept of cultural keystone species should be a starting point for the protection and restoration of juniper forest. The results of field and social studies have shown that the stable maintenance of juniper forests ensures the existence of key species as the most important ecosystem services, e.g. provisioning, regulation and maintenance and cultural, indicating the correct relations between the society and the protection of mountain areas. The obtained results showed that the inhabitants claim that juniper forests with the participation of Juniperus semiglobosa and Juniperus seravschanica are the main elements determining not only the functioning of mountain ecosystems, but also the communities living there. This approach is capable of ensuring inclusive management of the socio-ecological system of the Fann Mountains.

Valuation of ecosystem services in a region: A review of the international experience

The paper aims to investigate the international experience of valuation and identification of ecosystem services. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research includes the theory of value and the ecosystem approach. The authors apply the dialectical method, logical abstraction, comparative analysis, grouping method, and the method of analogies. To build the hierarchy of ecosystem services and determine the most important ones in relation to soil and forest ecosystems statistical methods are implemented. The paper presents the results of the analysis of the key projects on valuation of ecosystem services in terms of content, scale and adopted methods; the identification of the most often valuated ecosystem services; and refined classification of ecosystem services and method for their evaluation. The practical significance of the research lies in the improvement of the economic mechanism of the regulation of natural resources management, which is meant to mitigate the negative consequences of climate change, what eventually will increase the probability of attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The research findings form the basis for further formulation of the methodological recommendations about valuation of the ecosystem services in different physical-geographical zones.

Developing payment for ecosystem service schemes for coastal aquaculture in southwestern Taiwan

Taiwan’s aquaculture farms are mostly established along intertidal zones and coastal land areas, and their presence may affect coastal ecosystems and their ecosystem services (ESs). Payments for ecosystem services (PES) represent a potential method of enhancing the provision of ESs for coastal aquaculture; thus, their feasibility should be discussed. In this study, we conducted focus group interviews to identify issues and collect information about coastal aquaculture in southwestern Taiwan, and we developed a PES framework for coastal aquaculture based on our findings. The identification of ESs and the inclusion of a market design (e.g. pricing, incentive, and conditionality) in a PES scheme might be key factors for successfully transforming aquaculture into an ES provider. PES schemes could be applied to coastal oyster farming in Taiwan, and coastal oyster farmers who adopt eco-friendly aquaculture should receive subsidies to secure revenues. The findings presented here will provide important reference information for policy makers and managers to design a feasible PES scheme for coastal resource management.

ОБЛІКОВА КАТЕГОРІЯ «ЕКОСИСТЕМНІ ПОСЛУГИ»: СУТНІСТЬ ТА АТРИБУТИ

The article is devoted to the study of the categorical apparatus of accounting for ecosystem services. The different approaches of the authors to the interpretation of the concepts «service» and «ecosystem» are analyzed, the structuralfunctional classification of ecosystems is developed. The terminology used to form the definition of «ecosystem services», as well as the components of a comprehensive identification of this accounting category. The definition of ecosystem services as an economic category becomes a central element of a comprehensive system of relationships between the functioning of ecosystems, the activities of economic entities and the welfare of society. Despite the significant number of scientific and practical work aimed at studying ecosystem services, there is still no single approach to the interpretation of their substantive basis and the definition of unified approaches to their classification. It is proved that ecosystem services should be defined as flows of economic benefits and values received by stakeholders from the use of existing ecosystem functions, as well as those formed as a result of generating, restoring, regulating ecosystem processes formed as a result of targeted activities. economic entities of different forms of ownership and levels of hierarchical management. However, it has been established that this stage of identification of ecosystem services is distinguished by cognitive aspects to demonstrate the impact of natural capital on ecosystem functions and, as a consequence, human well-being. It is important to note that the list of specific instruments varies depending on the perturbations in the global ecosystem market, the emergence of new tools, the improvement of the basic elements of the accounting category «ecosystem service», ie the objective process of renewal.The relationship between ecosystem functions, ecosystem benefits, ecosystem assets and ecosystem properties has been established. Tasks, principles and classification features of ecosystem services as an accounting category are highlighted. As a result, the formation of subjects and objects of accounting for ecosystem services, which deepens the substantive concept and helps to identify «ecosystem services» as an accounting category.

The State of the Art of Use of the Concept of Ecosystem Services within Spatial Plans in the Czech Republic

Although the use and management of ecosystem services (ES) resources and the promotion of their provision are a standard and necessary part of spatial planning tools and documents, a direct implementation of this concept is exceptional. Researchers and entire projects have so far focused mainly on identification of ecosystem services and their resources in urban environment, or on the analysis of their occurrence in spatial planning documents. That was the goal of our research as well. Spatial planning documents, systematically and methodically re-defined using ecosystem services, are what is still lacking. Our article presents the results of the analysis of the use of ecosystem services in spatial plans of five cities, regional centers in the Czech Republic. We used a text evaluation methodology focused on the explicit and implicit expression of ecosystem services. We analyzed the overall approach to the creation of spatial plans. In addition to the spatial plans, we also analyzed their assignments (SPA). We found that the current spatial planning methodology does not work with the ecosystem services approach (ESA) systemically. It focuses mainly on ES resources and implicitly envisages their provision. SPAs are a more flexible and effective tool for enforcing ESA in spatial planning than the lengthy legislative process. However, this presupposes greater knowledge of SPA among the public and decision makers.

Mapeo de servicios ecosistémicos para la planificación del territorio: una experiencia con abordaje participativo

Agricultural intensification has impacted on ecosystems, affecting their ability to provide services. The consequences of this process lies with the society, since human welfare is strongly linked to ecosystem services (ES) provision. The participation of local communities is essential for the identification of ES and the threats that compromise them. The aim of this paper was to contribute to territorial planning of Yaguari stream upper basin (Rivera, Uruguay). In order to do this a participatory approach is used, which consist of the analysis of linkages between the supply of ES, social assessment carried out by local population and threats that affect the provision of services. The methodological strategy integrated interviews, surveys and workshops with local population. A Geographic Information System was generated from the information collected, which allowed its spatial analysis. The main results show that the area presents ecosystems of high social values that are threatened by current land uses, helping to determine priority areas for management. This research contributes elements towards the elaboration of participatory strategies of sustainable territorial planning at a local level.

Spatial and temporal variations and significance identification of ecosystem services in the Sanjiangyuan National Park, China

The establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Park (SNP) favours implementation of strictest ecological protection on the Tibetan Plateau, thus firmly ensuring national ecological security. To understand ecological background in the SNP, spatial and temporal variations of ecosystem, and its services during the period 2000–2015 and significance identification were analysed by using the methods of remote sensing, GIS and model simulation. The results showed that: (1) Area with extremely important ecosystem services accounted for approximately 51.4% of the SNP’s total area, of which extreme importance water regulation, soil conservation and sand fixation regions contributed 15.3%, 13.7% and 22.4%, respectively. (2) The SNP had formed a spatial pattern of ecosystem services with water regulation as core in the eastern part, soil conservation as core in the central part and sand fixation as core in the western part. (3) For the period 2000–2015, water regulation service generally improved in the SNP. Soil conservation service also improved overall; and sand fixation service exhibited a decreasing trend due to reduction in wind speed and vegetation coverage. (4) Climate warming and humidification, combined with the implementation of ecological protection project in the SNP were the primary reasons for ecosystem services improvement. However, grassland degradation had not yet been fundamentally suppressed, and vegetation coverage was still declining in regional areas. For strict protection and sustainable use of the SNP and its natural resources, overall planning and scientific layout should be paid more attention, and classification and subarea protection should be implemented based on natural ecosystem laws.

Local perceptions and factors determining ecosystem services identification around two forest reserves in Northern Benin

BackgroundEcosystems provide humanity with goods and services known as ecosystem services. The value of these services represents a basis for political decision-making. To be sure that these decisions are made on a valid basis, policymakers require an understanding of the biophysical processes involved. This study was carried out around two forest reserves (Alibori-Supérieur and Ouénou-Bénou) in Northern Benin. It aimed to highlight the knowledge of the surrounding communities and their perceptions about the importance of the ecosystem services provided by these forest reserves as well as the factors that influence their knowledge and perceptions.MethodsPrimary data were collected from 25 group discussions in 25 villages surrounding the forest reserves based on predefined ecosystems services of the Millennium Ecosystems Assessment (MA). Multiple linear regression models were used to examine how socio-economic characteristics of the communities influenced the ecosystem services identification rate. Perceptions of importance, levels of satisfaction, and trends of services provided were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsOur results showed that education level, poverty index, household size, and proximity to forests played an important role in the variation in knowledge of ecosystem services (P < 0.05). Provisioning services (such as crops supply, fuelwood, lumber, wild food, and medicinal plants) were mostly identified by the poorest villages located very close to the forests (P < 0.05). The importance of the provided services for well-being has been unanimously recognized. The most recognized cultural services were education and knowledge facilitation (84%) and spiritual value (76%). Climate regulation (84%) and pollination (84%) were the best-known regulating services. However, supporting services (soil formation and pest regulation) that are important for improving production systems were unknown to the communities.ConclusionEducation level, poverty index, and village proximity to the forest were important predictors of regulating and supporting services identification. But use of non-tangible services by local rural communities will require more emphasis on targeted environmental education specifically designed according to the needs of each group.

Assessing the Role of Gender in Identifying and Prioritizing Local Ecosystem Services of Trees in Croplands

The overall objective of the study was to assess and compare the role of gender in identifying and prioritizing the ecosystem services of trees in croplands. The research was carried out in croplands and species inventory in each cropland was conducted during field observations of every tree species by interviewing the local farmers and/or villagers. A questionnaire containing both close-ended and open-ended questions were designed to collect information about the role of gender in identifying and prioritizing the ecosystem services supplied by each tree species in croplands based on local communities. A total of 15 ecosystem services were identified from trees in croplands by both men and women. The number and type of ecosystem services identified by men and women were different. The differences could be due to different access and benefits from ecosystem services. As a result, their perception and knowledge of ecosystem services could also vary. After identification of each ecosystem service, a paired two-tail t-test was conducted whether the list of individual score values given to each local ecosystem services identified by both men and women were the same or not. The statistical result of the paired t-test showed that the score values of all the ecosystem services that are only identified by both men and women were not statistically significant. This can imply that the commonly identified ecosystem services have more or less similar importance to men and women. The findings in this research demonstrate that ecosystem services identification might cause gender biases on women due to neglected control and access to the ecosystem services of trees in croplands which in turn could have an impact on tree resource management, conservation, and development interventions. Therefore, integrating women in ecosystem service access and control can help build various experiences of gender and balanced institutions which can aid collective and effective tree and forest resource management and to maximize the benefits for all beneficiaries of the ecosystem services.