Ecosystem services provision, tourism and climate variability in shallow lakes: The case of La Salada, Buenos Aires, Argentina. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zilio, Mariana I.; Alfonso, M. Belén; Ferrelli, Federico; Perillo, Gerardo M.E.; Piccolo, M. Cintia
• Is Part Of: Tourism management. Volume 62(2017)
• Page Start: 208
• Page End: 217
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: La Salada shallow lake -- Ecosystem services -- Tourism -- Climate variability -- Participatory research -- Stakeholders; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2017.04.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-5177

Abstract

Abstract: Water ecosystem services have been widely explored within the context of climate change studies, becoming a key piece in addressing local water challenges and designing possible strategies for diminishing climate risks. This paper explores how ecosystem services provision in La Salada shallow lake, Argentina, including maintenance of the landscape for touristic and recreational activities, have been affected by changes in climate conditions according to the local stakeholders´ perception. After mapping and prioritizing ecosystem services using participatory research activities, it analyzes how this provision has evolved in response to the different precipitation scenarios already observed in the area. The results for the case of La Salada shallow lake indicate that there is not a clear relationship between precipitations and the key ecosystem services provided by the lake and their surrounding ecosystem, mainly due to the anthropogenic lake management, and that tourism does not seem to directly depend on climate conditions. Highlights: Ecosystem services provision is crucial for tourism in La Salada shallow lake. Wet and drought periods have been in turn registered in the area. Stakeholders have a crucial role into the lake management. Participatory research helps to evaluate stakeholders' perception. Ecosystem services provision remained almost unchanged between wet and dry periods. Tourism in la salada seems not to depend on the precipitation scenarios.