Capturing multiple values of ecosystem services shaped by environmental worldviews: A spatial analysis

Carena J. Van Riper, Gerard T. Kyle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Two related approaches to valuing nature have been advanced in past research including the study of ecosystem services and psychological investigations of the factors that shape behavior. Stronger integration of the insights that emerge from these two lines of enquiry can more effectively sustain ecosystems, economies, and human well-being. Drawing on survey data collected from outdoor recreationists on Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park, U.S., our study blends these two research approaches to examine a range of tangible and intangible values of ecosystem services provided to stakeholders with differing biocentric and anthropocentric worldviews. We used Public Participation Geographic Information System methods to collect survey data and a Social Values for Ecosystem Services mapping application to spatially analyze a range of values assigned to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the park. Our results showed that preferences for the provision of biological diversity, recreation, and scientific-based values of ecosystem services varied across a spatial gradient. We also observed differences that emerged from a comparison between survey subgroups defined by their worldviews. The implications emanating from this investigation aim to support environmental management decision-making in the context of protected areas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)374-384
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Environmental Management
Volume145
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2014

Keywords

  • Ecosystem services
  • New ecological paradigm
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Protected areas
  • Public participation geographic information systems

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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