Effectively enhancing perceptions of cultural ecosystem services: A case study of a karst cultural ecosystem. (1st August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nie, Xin; Wang, Qiaoling; Wu, Jianxian; Wang, Han; Chen, Zhoupeng; He, Jiaxin
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 315(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08-01
• Subjects: Cultural ecosystem services (CES) -- Karst ecosystem -- Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) -- Management -- Sustainable development; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: The role of cultural ecosystem services (CES) is vital to consider when developing ecological sustainable development policies that can improve the well-being of humans. Research on CES has increased in recent years; however, few studies have explored the complex mechanisms driving perceptions of CES and the factors influencing those perceptions. In areas with unique landforms and fragile ecological environments, this type of research is difficult and rare. To address this research gap, this focuses on a typical karst area Guilin Xingping in China, evaluating residents' perceptions of local CES, and applying qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to explore the driving mechanism behind those perceptions. We found that the satisfaction of material needs is a prerequisite and basis for further improving residents' spiritual perceptions and pursuits. Residents' socio-economic level, understanding of resource importance, and economic value determine whether residents can fully perceive the value of CES. Optimizing the ability of managers, improving relevant systems, and improving the experience with and understanding of ecosystems have a more than 50% probability of improving perceptions related to CES. The research shows that the combination of multiple antecedents can achieve a high level of perceptions related to CES. Managers can refer to the best path for policy regulation based on the actual situation. Finally, this study provides a new policy scheme for promoting ecological sustainable development and improving residents' well-being, and can provide insights to inform the sustainable development of other karst areas. Highlights: Study reveals the factors influencing perceptions of cultural ecosystem services. Material conditions are the basis of perceptions about cultural ecosystem services. A qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is used to explore perception in this study. Karst cultural ecosystem services have special value and deserve more attention. Cultural ecosystem services should be a key component of sustainability policies.