A novel cascade model for ecosystem services and disservices applied in a Brazilian working landscape
Résumé
Since 2007, several authors have pleaded for complementing the ecosystem service (ES) framework with the ecosystem disservice (EDS) concept in order to consider both the benefits and detriments associated with ecosystems in the analysis of human-nature relationships. However, EDS are still a marginal concept in sustainability research, in particular because they suffer from conceptual ambiguity. As a consequence, it remains unclear how, together with ES, they can help better untangle social-ecological interactions in multi-use landscapes.
In order to bring clarity about the EDS concept, we devised a novel cascade model that explicitly integrates ES and EDS. In a landscape-based perspective, this E(D)S cascade model brings clarity on (i) the articulation and interactions between ES and EDS, (ii) the distinction between intermediate and final E(D)S, and (iii) the cascading links between ecosystem features, E(D)S and their associated benefits and detriments for diverse stakeholders. In addition, the E(D)S cascade model takes into account the feedbacks from human societies to ecosystem features and E(D)S through management practices, governance, and value attribution processes.
In order to discuss the E(D)S cascade model’s strengths and limitations, we applied it in a case study in Brazil, in the Cerrado biodiversity hotspot, with the aim to explore how local farmers perceived and managed their rural forests. We conducted semi-structured interviews in 45 farms, asking farmers about (i) farm and farming system characteristics, (ii) practices related to rural forest management, and (iii) the diverse E(D)S they perceived in relation with rural forests.
We first found a total of 30 perceived ES and 18 perceived EDS associated with rural forests, including 15 final and 15 intermediate ES, and 6 final and 12 intermediate EDS. Harvestable timber, sheltering effect for reared animals, and habitat and feeding resources for reared animals were the most cited ES. Predation on crops and livestock were the most cited EDS. We also found a close link between E(D)S emergence and dynamics and farming practices. For example, crop expansion, associated with a ban on hunting local pigs, was reinforcing the importance farmers assigned to crop predation issues. Reversely, farmers have implemented several practices to be less vulnerable to most problematic EDS.
This novel E(D)S cascade model shows a great potential to better understand human-nature relationships in an inclusive perspective, acknowledging the existence of multiple subjective, yet legitimate, viewpoints about a given landscape. Furthermore, it allows to better highlight the importance of human practices and perceptions in the production and impact of ecosystems on human well-being. We therefore suggest that this framework can help identify solutions to reduce certain EDS while reinforcing ES and biodiversity conservation.
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