Exploring subjective well-being and ecosystem services perception in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China. (15th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Renji; Tang, Haiping; Lu, Yunjing
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 318(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09-15
• Subjects: Subjective well-being -- Ecosystem services -- Agro-pastoral ecotone -- Socioeconomic factors -- Structural equation modelling -- Local management; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115591
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Understanding stakeholders' perceptions about human well-being and ecosystem services is essential for designing efficient public policies and sustainable environmental management that help to improve people's quality of life. Despite the fragile ecosystem and poverty concentration in the agro-pastoral ecotone, research in this field remains scarce. We selected a typical agro-pastoral ecotone, Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China, to explore how socioeconomic and demographic factors affect subjective well-being and perceptions of ecosystem services through structural equation modelling (SEM) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Our results showed that health had the highest correlation with subjective well-being among the five dimensions, but respondents were least satisfied with it. Formal education had the greatest effect on subjective well-being, followed by age, income, and livelihood. Gender had no effect on subjective well-being. Older respondents with lower formal education who had a lower level of subjective well-being considered supporting and provisioning services more important for well-being. In contrast, younger respondents with higher education levels (mostly jobs not associated with working the land) mainly valued cultural services. Finally, we discussed the factors that influence subjective well-being and perceptions of ecosystem services and their implications for local management decision-making. Highlights: Subjective well-being and perceptions of ecosystem services are analyzed in an agro-pastoral ecotone. Health had the highest correlation with subjective well-being, but was the least satisfied. Education had the largest effect on subjective well-being, including direct and indirect pathways. Older people with lower subjective well-being valued provisioning and supporting services more.