Improving ecosystem assessments in Mediterranean social-ecological systems : a DPSIR analysis
Balzan, Mario V. (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology)
Martins Pinheiro, Ana (Lisbon University)
Mascarenhas, André (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)
Morán Ordóñez, Alejandra (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Ruiz Frau, Ana (Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats)
Carvalho-Santos, Claudia (Universidade do Porto)
Vogiatzakis, Ioannis N. (University of Cyprus)
Arends, Jeroen (Ecosystem Services Partnership)
Santana Garcon, Julia (Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats)
Roces-Díaz, José V. (Swansea University)
Brotons, Lluís (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Campagne, C. Sylvie (Irstea)
Roche, Philip K. (Irstea)
Miguel, Sergio de (Universitat de Lleida)
Targetti, Stefano (INRA)
Drakou, Evangelia G. (University of Twente)
Vlami, Vassiliki (University of Patras)
Baró Porras, Francesc (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals)
Geijzendorffer, Ilse R. (Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory)

Date:	2019
Abstract:	Social-ecological systems in the Mediterranean Basin are characterised by high biodiversity and a prolonged cultural influence, leading to the co-evolution of these systems. The unique characteristics of Mediterranean social-ecological systems, current pressures leading to a decline in ecosystem services, and the need for coordinated action are recognised by policies promoting the protection and sustainable use of the region's heritage. Ecosystem assessments provide valuable information on the capacity of the Mediterranean Basin to ensure the well-being of its population. However, most assessments simplify the complexity of these systems, which may lead to inaccurate ecosystem services supply and flow estimations. This paper uses the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to guide an expert consultation that identifies the key characteristics of the Mediterranean social-ecological systems and analyses how these should be included in ecosystem assessments. Data collection was carried out through expert consultation with ecosystem services researchers. Multiple sources of complexity were identified, including the relationship between historical human activities, biodiversity spatio-temporal patterns, as well as the seasonal and long-term variability in ecosystem services. The importance of incorporating this complexity in ecosystem assessments for evidence-based decision-making is identified, suggesting that there is a need to adapt assessment approaches for the Mediterranean Basin social-ecological systems.
Grants:	European Commission 809988
Note:	Unidad de excelencia María de Maeztu MdM-2015-0552
Note:	Altres ajuts: (Grant 'Clarín' ACA17-02)
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Biodiversity ; Benefit ; Drivers of change ; Ecosystem condition ; Ecosystem structure ; Mediterranean Basin ; Pressures ; Sub-global assessments ; Synergies ; Trade-offs
Published in:	Ecosystems and people, Vol. 15, Issue 1 (May 2019) , p. 136-155, ISSN 2639-5916

DOI: 10.1080/26395916.2019.1598499

21 p, 3.5 MB

The record appears in these collections:
Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Experimental sciences > Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA) > The Barcelona Lab for Urban Environmental Justice and Sustainability
Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Experimental sciences > CREAF (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles