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Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Ecology and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 23896

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Dr. Rajarshi Dasgupta

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Senior Policy Researcher, Integrated Sustainability Centre, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan
Interests: ecosystem services; landscape planning; conservation; socio-ecological systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Mrittika Basu

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Guest Editor

Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
Interests: rural water security; ecosystem services; human well-being; place-attachment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to our Special Issue "Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices".

Even since the adoption of the Millenium Ecosystem Services assessment report (MEA), the concept of ecosystem services has become extremely familiar within the domain of natural resource governance. Although originally developed as a core economic tool to measure the worth of nature, many natural and social scientists, as well as other disciplinary professionals, have adopted the concept of ecosystem services in their respective fields. As a result, significant advances have been made in both theories and applications of this concept. Under each subject domain, new theories and tools have emerged, enriching and envisaging further research and critical evaluation of ecosystem services. In the economic domain, for example, different tools were designed to critically evaluate ecosystem services in monetary terms, while within the biophysical modelling domain, sophisticated models allowed the physical quantification of ecosystem services. Despite significant advancements that have been made within the disciplinary notions, the implications of these novel findings in human wellbeing are still unclear, that is, how scientific breakthroughs can strengthen decision making to ensure human wellbeing across space and time. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to bridge the gaps between the novel scientific findings and practices through better policy formulations at multiple levels of governance. We welcome original research as well as review articles on the evaluation of ecosystem services and their relationship with human wellbeing. In particular, studies are welcome which demonstrate evidence-led decision making in the areas listed below. Research articles may focus on the following topics, but novel research work on the broader domain of ecosystem services is also equally welcome:

Land use change and ecosystem services modelling;
Nature’s contributions to people and human wellbeing;
Landscape sustainability;
Ecosystem services and mental health;
Ecosystem services and food security;
Ecosystem services for sustainable urbanization;
Nexus approaches in decision making;
Future scenarios or ecosystem services;
Transformative change;
Circular Economy

Dr. Rajarshi Dasgupta
Dr. Mrittika Basu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4148 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Ecosystem Services in Ruoergai National Park, China

by Hongfu Li, Yuelin Wang, Wende Chen, Hongyu Li, Yue Tian and Ruojing Chen

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3241; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083241 - 12 Apr 2024

Viewed by 480

Abstract

This study utilizes ArcGIS10.8 and ENVI5.3 software and the InVEST model to analyze and operate field survey data and remote sensing image data from Ruoergai National Park. The work simulates the soil retention, carbon storage, water supply, and habitat quality of the park to evaluate and analyze its four major ecosystem services. Subsequently, important areas of ecosystem services are zoned based on the results, aiming to provide decision-makers with a theoretical and scientific basis for formulating ecological environment restoration, protection, and management measures in Ruoergai National Park. The results showed the following: (1) In the study area, the land use types, ranked from largest to smallest, are grassland, unused land, forest, water area, and construction land. (2) Soil retention and water supply show an increasing trend, while carbon storage shows a decreasing trend. Habitat quality remains relatively stable, with most areas maintaining a high level of quality. (3) The importance zoning of ecosystem services in the study area exhibited a trend of “four increases and one decrease”. Specifically, the areas classified as moderately important, highly important, and extremely important all increased, while the area designated as generally important decreased. The findings indicate that climate change, land use type changes, and human activities are the primary factors influencing changes in ESs. It is crucial to prioritize highly important and extremely important areas for protection and utilization within Ruoergai National Park. Moving forward, it will be essential to minimize human activities that disrupt the ecosystem, while also focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of forest and grassland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices)

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21 pages, 4400 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Landscape Values and Willingness to Pay for Perceived Ecosystem Services: The Case of Malampaya Sound, a Socio-Ecological Production Landscape and Seascape

by Christmas Uchiyama, Kaoru Ichikawa and Osamu Saito

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3210; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083210 - 11 Apr 2024

Viewed by 492

Abstract

Since the 1990s, the Philippines has established numerous protected areas aimed at preserving regions with distinct biological and ecological characteristics. However, transitioning towards a more comprehensive approach to managing these protected areas, one that effectively conserves biodiversity while also supporting the welfare of local communities, remains a formidable task. Understanding the sources of the goods and services upon which communities rely, whether directly or indirectly, and their perceptions of ecosystem services (ESs) is a crucial aspect that can inform decision-making for both protected area managers and policymakers. This research specifically examines the mapping of landscape values as perceived by local communities within Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape (MSPLS) in the Philippines. Using survey questionnaires administered to 114 randomly selected participants, the study identifies the ESs within MSPLS and maps the associated landscape values. The respondents were tasked with assigning values to the ESs using a typology of 14 landscape values, and their willingness to pay (WTP) to enhance the ESs within MSPLS was also investigated. Analysis of socio-demographic data, the identified ESs, and the perceived landscape values was conducted to uncover significant relationships between the variables. Our findings reveal that the respondents prioritize provisioning services, particularly fisheries, agriculture, and agroforestry. Regarding landscape value preferences, economic value is most prominently perceived (37.4%), followed by subsistence value (30.8%) and life-sustaining value (6.8%). This study further unveils the socio-economic factors influencing the ranking of ESs and trends in WTP for ES improvements in Malampaya. Additionally, a potential payment for ecosystem services scheme in MSPLS is estimated at PHP 532,000, approximately USD 10,600. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices)

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14 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Environmental, Social, and Cultural Attributes in the Slum Settlements on the Riverbanks of Yogyakarta City under the Sultan’s Rule

by Nada Ismita Hawa, Ernoiz Antriyandarti, Dwi Nowo Martono and Rifqi Aji Maulana

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8974; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118974 - 01 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1836

Abstract

A riverbank revitalization program is being carried out to overcome the problem of slum areas and restore the role of the river. Many local governments in Indonesia are working to revitalize riverbanks, with Yogyakarta being one of them. As a special region in Indonesia, the Yogyakarta government has implemented the Mundur, Munggah, Madhep Kali (M3K) program, under Government Regulation (PP) No. 38 of 2011, to manage the conservation, development, and control of the destructive power of river water. This study aimed to ascertain how changes to the riverbanks affect both people’s quality of life and the river itself. The factors that influenced the changes in the environment, society, and culture of the community after the M3K program were also determined in this study. This study used a descriptive method with qualitative and quantitative data analyses. The statistical analysis method used was logistic regression. The findings obtained show that the M3K program has transformed people’s mindsets and habits toward keeping the environment clean, particularly the river area. According to the findings of the logistic regression analysis, the variables that determine the changes in the social and cultural environment of the community affected by M3K are age, education, employment opportunities, and income. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices)

27 pages, 7112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Qualitative Assessment of Natural and Anthropogenic Drivers of Risk to Sustainable Livelihoods in the Indian Sundarban

by Sumana Banerjee, Abhra Chanda, Tuhin Ghosh, Emilie Cremin and Fabrice G. Renaud

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6146; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076146 - 03 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1905

Abstract

In the Indian Sundarban, multiple attributes and interactions of natural hazards, exposure, and vulnerability pose severe threats to lives and livelihoods. Understanding the cause-and-effect relationships contributing to the risk of loss of sustainable livelihoods has become imperative but has not yet been holistically explored in a single study that provides a broader picture of all possible complex interactions. This study used the impact chain tool to holistically understand the risk that manifests as a result of interactions of hazards, exposure, and vulnerability. The secondary literature and authors’ observations helped us structure the first draft of the impact chain, which was further developed and validated through fourteen gender-disaggregated interviews with key informants and delta dwellers. This validation process identified the complex interconnections contributing to risk as experienced by experts and delta dwellers, which is seldom reflected through exclusively quantitative data. A quantitative analysis of the qualitative data strongly indicated that tropical cyclones, rainfall variability, and storms are the dominant hazards that affect social–ecological vulnerability manifested through mangrove degradation, land loss due to erosion, and embankment breaching. Social vulnerability is caused by processes and factors that are either directly or indirectly influenced by natural hazards and social–ecological factors. Processes such as increasing seasonal male migration, uncertain agricultural income, and a lack of hazard-resistant housing exacerbates social vulnerability. Embankment breaching, the salinization of land and water, land loss due to erosion, mangrove degradation, land conversion, and groundwater abstraction were identified as the fundamental threats that can lead to a loss of sustainable livelihoods of the people if left unaddressed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices)

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18 pages, 2509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applying Socio-Ecological Perspective for Fostering Resilience in Rural Settlements—Melghat Region, India

by Shruthi Dakey, Bhumika Morey, Vibhas Sukhwani and Sameer Deshkar

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1812; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031812 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1794

Abstract

At the brink of climate change, the perpetual human–nature links observed in remotely placed rural settlements, particularly those nested within ecological regions, are alleged to be deprecating. While the indigenous communities across protected forest areas depend on the surrounding environment for their livelihoods, the emerging climate discrepancies are posing serious concerns to their sustenance. To better understand the impacts of climate change on rural settlements, this research deliberates on the case of the Melghat region in central India, with a specific focus on the Lawada and Kotha settlements. At first, a methodical understanding of Socio-Ecological Systems (SESs) in Melghat is established by meticulously uncovering its social and ecological characteristics. Thereafter, to unearth the interdependencies between the two systems, an indicator-based framework is established. The SESs in the selected settlements are then analyzed based on the evaluation of community responses for defined indicators, using the choice-based preference method. The study outcomes reveal that the local communities consider the “Livelihoods” aspect to be the most critical element of resilience, and the progressive depreciation of nature-based livelihood practices is primarily influencing the local SESs. Correspondingly, this research characterizes the overall results with the existing scenario in Melghat to determine the key areas of intervention. Emphasis has been laid on strengthening the traditional systems to build alternative livelihoods that are resilient to the impacts that are exacerbated by climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices)

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20 pages, 2411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Participatory Stakeholder Assessment for Drivers of Mangrove Loss to Prioritize Evidence-Based Conservation and Restoration in Bhitarkanika and Mahanadi Delta, India

by Shalini Dhyani, Jayshree Shukla, Rakesh Kadaverugu, Rajarshi Dasgupta, Muktipada Panda, Sudip Kumar Kundu, Harini Santhanam, Paras R. Pujari, Pankaj Kumar and Shizuka Hashimoto

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15020963 - 05 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2056

Abstract

In recent times, environmental stewardship of mangroves has provided the impetus to protect and restore these ecosystems for their inherent ability to protect coastal regions from climate change, sequester carbon dioxide as rich blue carbon, and support human well-being through a multitude of ecosystem services. Participatory stakeholder assessment, as a part of the present study, integrated local stakeholder perspectives in assessing drivers of mangrove loss in Bhitarkanika and Mahanadi delta, Odisha, providing empirical evidence through a mixed-method approach. The use of a Likert scale provided the methodology to develop a single composite variable as the best measure of central tendency. In total, 27.5% of the respondents were locals and were living close to the study area for generations, whereas the other 72.5% represented researchers, academics, and forest department officials. Stakeholder responses at the ground level indicated that Bhitarkanika and Mahanadi delta were facing increased frequency of extreme climatic events followed, by aquaculture and other land-use changes, which can be considered potential drivers causing mangrove loss. Co-development of future scenarios by integrating concerns of all the stakeholders emerged as a potential solution to effectively address the trade-offs arising from local anthropogenic interferences, as well as large-scale developmental activities. This study highlights the need for convergence of multi-disciplinary knowledge from diverse stakeholder groups, including traditional and indigenous knowledge, for the purpose of developing accurate plausible alternative scenarios. Interactive governance and incentivization approaches, along with alternative livelihood opportunities, are proposed as the means to improve conservation and restoration in the region based on the present study. Understanding of the coupled socio-ecological system and its relevance is found to be critical to improve bi-directional linkages of ecosystem health and human well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices)

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14 pages, 2085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blue Carbon: Comparison of Chronosequences from Avicennia marina Plantation and Proteresia coarctata Dominated Mudflat, at the World’s Largest Mangrove Wetland

by Abhiroop Chowdhury, Aliya Naz, Rajarshi Dasgupta and Subodh Kumar Maiti

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010368 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

Sundarban is the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest but is under threat from anthropogenic interventions. Plantations are the favored method to restore degraded mudflats. In this study, ecological functional soil indicators (available N, soil organic C, available P, salinity) and service (Blue carbon pool) of the iteroparous tree Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. (Acanthaceae family), plantation has been compared with a natural mudflat dominated by mangrove semelparous grass Proteresia coarctata (Roxb.) Tateoka (Poacease family). Both sites were under anthropogenic pressure. It was observed that the P. coarctata dominated natural site has gone through fluctuations in species population between 2012 and 2016 with higher Simpson’s dominance, and lower value of the Shannon–Weiner Index. A one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), indicated that soil indicators have significantly varied and linearly increased across the years at the A. marina plantation site. Blue carbon pool increased by four times (10 cm soil depth) at the plantation site since 2012 compared to only one time in the mangrove grass dominated community within the study period (2012–2016). This study concludes that plantation with iteroparous mangrove species can improve ecosystem function and services at degraded mudflats dominated by semelparous grass and aid in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate action). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices)

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16 pages, 2110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Socio-Cultural Valuation of Urban Parks: The Case of Jose Rizal Plaza in Calamba City, The Philippines

by Dalton Erick Baltazar, Jillian Labadz, Roy Smith, Andrew Telford and Marcello Di Bonito

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13711; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113711 - 22 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5474

Abstract

The socio-cultural value of urban parks has rarely been studied, and this could be why they are undervalued and not given significant attention in city planning. This study presents the socio-cultural valuation (SCV) of the ecosystem services (ES) and disservices (EDS) of the Jose Rizal Plaza in Calamba City, The Philippines. Stakeholders were interviewed to assemble a list of the park’s ES and EDS. An online survey was then conducted to examine how stakeholders assign values to the park ES and EDS. Finally, the configuration of conditions leading to the assigned values was analysed. The results suggest that respondents value the park’s ES more than they worry about its EDS. They value cultural ES the highest, while they are most concerned with psychological EDS. The Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) revealed that visiting the park is necessary for a high valuation to ES. For EDS, these are: not knowing the previous land use in the area and visiting the park. Overall, the paper concludes that SCV is an effective way to assess the value of urban parks, and fsQCA could aid in determining the combination of conditions leading to these values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices)

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18 pages, 1583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nexus between Environmental Consciousness and Consumers’ Purchase Intention toward Circular Textile Products in India: A Moderated-Mediation Approach

by Mushahid Ali Shamsi, Asiya Chaudhary, Imran Anwar, Rajarshi Dasgupta and Sachin Sharma

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 12953; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142012953 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

The textile industry has witnessed rapid growth due to fast fashion and the growing use of textile products, resulting in terribly increasing textile waste and biodiversity and humans. Therefore, a shift from a linear paradigm (take-make-use-discard) to a circular model of textiles production (take-make-use-recycle-remanufacture-reuse) is urgently required. Still, it can only be successful if consumers accept circular textile products (CTP). Hence, the study assesses the direct and indirect (via perceived risks and perceived benefits) influence of environmental consciousness on purchase intention. Moreover, the study also attempts to check the moderating role of product knowledge on the direct links between perceived risks, perceived benefits, and purchase intention such that the indirect effects of environmental consciousness (via perceived risks and perceived benefits) on purchase intention are conditioned at low/high levels of product knowledge. Collecting a sample of 409 respondents from the National Capital Region (NCR) and Aligarh in India, we used SEM to test the direct and indirect effects, while model-14 in Process Macro was used to measure conditional indirect effects. The results show that environmental consciousness directly influences purchase intention and perceived risks, and perceived benefits partially mediate the direct link between environmental consciousness and purchase intention. Further, product knowledge conditionally moderates the indirect effect of EC on PI (via perceived risks and perceived benefits) such that the mediating effects of perceived risks and perceived benefits significantly vary at low/high levels of product knowledge. The findings direct retail managers and decision-making bodies in the Indian textile industry to frame focused strategies for reducing textile waste and protecting the environment by developing bylaws in favor of circular economy and CTP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices)

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Review

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16 pages, 3426 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ecosystem Services of Mangroves: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Contemporary Scientific Literature

by Kanika Bimrah, Rajarshi Dasgupta, Shizuka Hashimoto, Izuru Saizen and Shalini Dhyani

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12051; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912051 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4359

Abstract

The paper narrates a systematic literature review on ‘’mangrove ecosystem services’’ to identify their typology, distribution, and utilization within the contemporary scientific literature. We performed a systematic review of 76 research articles derived from the Scopus database, and the dataset was scrutinized and classified against the four major categories of ecosystem services, namely provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, as per the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005). We attempted to determine the existing state of the interconnectedness of mangrove ecosystem services by mapping the potential synergies and trade-offs. Further, an attempt was made to understand the critical linkages between mangrove ecosystem services and their contribution to the localization/achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results suggest disproportionate distribution of scientific literature, where nearly 56 of the studies were concentrated in Asia. The recognition of regulating the services of mangroves, particularly in carbon storage and disaster risk reduction, outnumbered the other types of ecosystem services. In particular, studies related to mangroves’ cultural ecosystem services remain underrepresented. The results show a strong correlation in terms of synergies between the coastal protection ecosystem services and the high carbon sequestration ability of mangroves; and the trade-off between facilitating water transport services and the provision of fresh water. Of the 17 SDGs, three SDGs, namely, SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 14 and 15 (life below water and life on land) showed close interrelationships with the existing database. As such, the results are beneficial for coastal planners to better integrate and mainstream mangrove ecosystem services into coastal and regional planning, by maximizing synergies, encouraging the involvement of coastal communities as well as elaborating ameliorative adaptive measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Human Wellbeing: Linking Science, Policy and Practices)

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