1- Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
2- University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
2- University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
Abstract: (158 Views)
Introduction and Objective: Mangrove forests are one of the valuable natural ecosystems that have attracted the attention of planners and visitors based on their ecosystem services. According to studies, the ecosystem services of mangrove forests in coastal areas are of great importance, especially for local communities living in these areas. Therefore, examining the spatial distribution of ecosystem services through identifying and prioritizing these valuable resources can help in proper planning and protection of these natural habitats in to meet human livelihood needs. Accordingly, in the present study, ecosystem services in Iranian mangrove forests were identified and prioritized.
Materials and Methods: In this study, based on a review of resources according to the Millennium Ecosystem Classification and previous study records, the opinions of specialists, experts, and local communities in each of the studied habitats, a list of existing ecosystem services in four groups of provision, regulation, support, and culture was prepared. After identifying the ecosystem services available in the region, these services were weighted and prioritized separately for each habitat, using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model. Subsequently, the CICES rapid ecosystem services assessment method was used to investigate the effectiveness of each service in the target habitats.
Results: According to the results, the distribution of the abundance of ecosystem services in the 19 studied habitats includes 521 services in different service groups, which include 96 provisioning services (18.42%), 91 regulatory services (17.46%), 169 support services (32.43%), and 165 cultural services (31.66%). In terms of ecosystem service diversity, the highest diversity is observed in the Qeshm coast habitat with 39 services, while the lowest diversity is in the Bordkhon habitat with 18 services. The results of the weighting and prioritization of ecosystem services also showed that "supportive services" with a weight coefficient of 0.351 have the highest weight among the four main service groups. According to the results obtained from the rapid assessment of services, the ecosystem service group in the Khamir habitats (Sayeh Khosh, Khamir-Lashteghan, Mardo, and Pohl habitats) and Qeshm (Khorkhoran and Qeshm coast habitats), especially supportive and cultural services, has the highest degree of importance. This indicates the high role of supportive-cultural ecosystem services and the extent of their positive impact on the Khamir and Qeshm habitats. Likewise, the number of supportive and cultural services among these habitats indicates the importance of protecting biodiversity and supporting habitats, and cultural planning and developing sustainable tourism in this region, respectively.
Conclusion: The high abundance and diversity of ecosystem services in the studied habitats also indicate the livelihood dependence of forest dwellers on forest resources, which should be considered by planners and decision-makers in order to protect these valuable resources on the one hand and to meet the basic needs of these communities on the other. Furthermore, due to the high tourism potential, Iranian mangrove forests enjoy a high distribution of recreation and nature tourism as one of the most important ecosystem services in this region. Therefore, proper planning can help maximize the use of these services and improve the conservation status of the area.
Materials and Methods: In this study, based on a review of resources according to the Millennium Ecosystem Classification and previous study records, the opinions of specialists, experts, and local communities in each of the studied habitats, a list of existing ecosystem services in four groups of provision, regulation, support, and culture was prepared. After identifying the ecosystem services available in the region, these services were weighted and prioritized separately for each habitat, using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model. Subsequently, the CICES rapid ecosystem services assessment method was used to investigate the effectiveness of each service in the target habitats.
Results: According to the results, the distribution of the abundance of ecosystem services in the 19 studied habitats includes 521 services in different service groups, which include 96 provisioning services (18.42%), 91 regulatory services (17.46%), 169 support services (32.43%), and 165 cultural services (31.66%). In terms of ecosystem service diversity, the highest diversity is observed in the Qeshm coast habitat with 39 services, while the lowest diversity is in the Bordkhon habitat with 18 services. The results of the weighting and prioritization of ecosystem services also showed that "supportive services" with a weight coefficient of 0.351 have the highest weight among the four main service groups. According to the results obtained from the rapid assessment of services, the ecosystem service group in the Khamir habitats (Sayeh Khosh, Khamir-Lashteghan, Mardo, and Pohl habitats) and Qeshm (Khorkhoran and Qeshm coast habitats), especially supportive and cultural services, has the highest degree of importance. This indicates the high role of supportive-cultural ecosystem services and the extent of their positive impact on the Khamir and Qeshm habitats. Likewise, the number of supportive and cultural services among these habitats indicates the importance of protecting biodiversity and supporting habitats, and cultural planning and developing sustainable tourism in this region, respectively.
Conclusion: The high abundance and diversity of ecosystem services in the studied habitats also indicate the livelihood dependence of forest dwellers on forest resources, which should be considered by planners and decision-makers in order to protect these valuable resources on the one hand and to meet the basic needs of these communities on the other. Furthermore, due to the high tourism potential, Iranian mangrove forests enjoy a high distribution of recreation and nature tourism as one of the most important ecosystem services in this region. Therefore, proper planning can help maximize the use of these services and improve the conservation status of the area.
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