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

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2014-12, Vol.145, p.374-384
• Main Authors: Van Riper, Carena J., Kyle, Gerard T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biodiversity; Biological and medical sciences; Community Participation; Conservation of Natural Resources - economics; Conservation of Natural Resources - methods; Conservation of Natural Resources - statistics & numerical data; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Data Collection; Decision Making; Ecosystem; Ecosystem services; Ecosystems; Environment; Environmental management; Environmental Policy; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Geographic Information Systems; Humans; Male; New ecological paradigm; Outdoor recreation; Protected areas; Public participation geographic information systems; Recreation; Spatial Analysis; Stakeholders; United States
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.06.014

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. •We examined assigned values of ecosystem services reported by outdoor recreationists.•We integrated value concepts from psychology, ecological economics, and ecology.•Marine and terrestrial resources on Santa Cruz Island were valued for many reasons.•Biodiversity, recreation, and scientific-based values varied across a spatial gradient.•Environmental worldviews shaped the preferences reported by survey respondents.