Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.9
3.2
Journals
Land
Special Issues
Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas
share announcement

Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Landscape Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 10622

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mita Drius

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, I-39042 Bressanone, BZ, Italy
Interests: science education; ecosystem services; green infrastructure
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Maria Laura Carranza

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Envix-Lab, Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, IS, Italy
Interests: landscape ecology; remote sensing; conservation biology; long term ecological monitoring; ecosystem services; biological invasions; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Robert Philipp Wagensommer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39042 Brixen-Bressanone, Italy
Interests: conservation; plants; red listing; threatened species; vascular flora; vegetation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coastal areas can offer manifold benefits coming from regulating, provisioning and cultural ecosystem services, ranging from carbon sequestration to protection from coastal erosion, and from recreation to ecotourism. They also host a unique biodiversity which comprises endangered species in need of proper conservation measures. These and other properties make them very interesting sources for educational and training purposes.

Finding trade-offs for a balanced and sustainable management of coastal areas requires interdisciplinary approaches that combine ecological, economic, and governance-related aspects. Moreover, cultural ecosystem service education shall be integrated in the abovementioned approach, being a valuable enabling factor in changing the way coastal areas can be perceived and valued.

Within this framework, for this Special Issue on “Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas” we encourage authors to submit a wide range of interdisciplinary contributions, case studies, and methodological and applied research related to the following topics:

  • Analysis of coastal landscape and ecosystem services;
  • Spatial planning of coastal landscapes;
  • Integrated management balancing coastal habitats conservation and utilization;
  • Evaluation of threats affecting coastal plant species and habitats;
  • Cultural services of coastal habitats, including education;
  • Economic valuation of coastal ecosystem services;
  • Socio-ecological approaches to coastal conservation and management.

Dr. Mita Drius
Prof. Maria Laura Carranza
Prof. Dr. Robert Philipp Wagensommer
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • coastal ecosystem services
  • coastal ecosystem conservation
  • cultural ecosystem services
  • coastal biodiversity conservation
  • coastal integrated management
  • threatened coastal plant species
  • socio-ecological approach

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 9257 KiB  
Article
Monitoring and Evaluation of Coastal Ecological Carrying Capacity in the Context of Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Shandong Province
by Hao Li, Yuxin Zhang, Xiaoli Wang, Peng Guo and Kai Liu
Land 2024, 13(11), 1844; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111844 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 407
Abstract
The research on coastal ecological carrying capacity holds great significance for the sustainable development of coastal areas and is a focal point of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study coupled multi-source data and ecological analysis models to construct a multi-level [...] Read more.
The research on coastal ecological carrying capacity holds great significance for the sustainable development of coastal areas and is a focal point of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study coupled multi-source data and ecological analysis models to construct a multi-level evaluation system and analysis method for the coastal ecological carrying capacity of Shandong Province so as to realize the dynamic monitoring and evaluation of the coastal ecological carrying capacity of Shandong Province from 2010 to 2020. The results indicated: (1) The ecological carrying capacity of the coastal zone in Shandong Province showed a “U”-shaped development trend, with 2016 being a turning point. (2) The economic development–social support system gradually became the main force driving the overall improvement of coastal ecological carrying capacity. (3) The system coupling coordination degree of ecological carrying capacity in the coastal areas of Shandong Province showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing, with a high level of internal coupling coordination of carrying capacity. (4) Per capita GDP, environmental protection investment, per capita water resources, and other indicators were the main factors driving the changes in the ecological carrying capacity of the coastal zone. This study aims to provide methodological reference and data support for coastal ecosystem monitoring, assessment, and climate change response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 26911 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Coupling and Coordination between the Ecosystem Service Value and Economy in the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration of China
by Zeduo Zou, Xiaodie Yuan, Zhuo Zhang, Xingyan Li and Chunshan Zhou
Land 2024, 13(10), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101670 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 754
Abstract
In the context of pursuing high-quality development, the coupling and coordination of the ecosystem and economy has become the fundamental goal and inevitable choice for achieving the sustainable development of urban agglomerations. Based on remote sensing and statistical data for the Pearl River [...] Read more.
In the context of pursuing high-quality development, the coupling and coordination of the ecosystem and economy has become the fundamental goal and inevitable choice for achieving the sustainable development of urban agglomerations. Based on remote sensing and statistical data for the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region from 2005 to 2020, in this paper, we construct an index system of the ecological and economic levels to assess the ecosystem service value (ESV). We use the equivalent factor method, entropy method, coupling coordination model, and relative development model to systematically grasp the spatial pattern of the levels of the two variables, analyse and evaluate their spatial and temporal coupling and coordination characteristics, and test the factors influencing their coupling and coordination using the geographical and temporal weighted regression (GTWR) model. The results show that ① the ESV in the PRD exhibited a fluctuating decreasing trend, while the level of the economy exhibited a fluctuating increasing trend; ② the coordination degree of the ESV and economy in the PRD exhibited a fluctuating increasing trend, and the region began to enter the basic coordination period in 2007; ③ in terms of the spatial distribution of the coordination degree, there was generally a circular pattern, with the Pearl River Estuary cities as the core and a decrease in the value towards the periphery; ④ the coordinated development model is divided into balanced development, economic guidance, and ESV guidance, among which balanced development is the major type; ⑤ the results of the GTWR reveal that the influencing factors exhibited significant spatial–temporal heterogeneity. Government intervention and openness were the dominant factors affecting the coordination, and the normalised difference vegetation index was the main negative influencing factor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 6999 KiB  
Article
Ecosystem Services Supporting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Assessments of Navigation Waterways Deepening Based on Data, Experts, and a 3D Ecosystem Model
by Gerald Schernewski, Mara Jekat, Frank Kösters, Thomas Neumann, Swantje Steffen and Miriam von Thenen
Land 2024, 13(10), 1653; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101653 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 605
Abstract
The navigation waterways to the harbors of Rostock (Warnow Estuary), Germany, and Szczecin (Oder/Szczecin Lagoon), Poland, were recently deepened. Both activities required Environmental Impact Assessments. We conducted expert- and data-based ecosystem service assessments for both case studies. Additionally, we performed 3D-ecosystem model simulations. [...] Read more.
The navigation waterways to the harbors of Rostock (Warnow Estuary), Germany, and Szczecin (Oder/Szczecin Lagoon), Poland, were recently deepened. Both activities required Environmental Impact Assessments. We conducted expert- and data-based ecosystem service assessments for both case studies. Additionally, we performed 3D-ecosystem model simulations. For the Oder Lagoon, the model results show that the waterway deepening increased the burial in sediments by 807 t N/a, 112 t P/a and 4661 T C/a. However, altogether, the impacts of the deepening to 12.5 m draught on the lagoon ecosystem are minor and a model application is not necessary, but the results improve the data basis for ecosystem service assessments. Our expert-based ecosystem service approach is adaptable to the needs of coastal engineering and hydraulic projects and is both easy and quick to apply and transferable. The assessment results highlight the relevance of cultural services and can complement EIAs. Our approach can especially support the early scoping stage of an EIA. It has the potential to enhance cooperation and communication with and between stakeholders, reduce conflicts, and save time. Additionally, it could improve the compilation and addressing of stakeholder concerns, potentially reducing costs associated with unnecessary studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5496 KiB  
Article
Mapping an Indicator Species of Sea-Level Rise along the Forest–Marsh Ecotone
by Bryanna Norlin, Andrew E. Scholl, Andrea L. Case and Timothy J. Assal
Land 2024, 13(10), 1551; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101551 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 468
Abstract
Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) (AWC) anchors a globally threatened ecosystem that is being impacted by climate change, as these trees are vulnerable to hurricane events, sea-level rises, and increasing salinity at the forest–marsh ecotone. In this study, we determined the [...] Read more.
Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) (AWC) anchors a globally threatened ecosystem that is being impacted by climate change, as these trees are vulnerable to hurricane events, sea-level rises, and increasing salinity at the forest–marsh ecotone. In this study, we determined the current amount and distribution of AWC in an area that is experiencing sea-level rises that are higher than the global average rate. We used a combination of a field investigation and aerial photo interpretation to identify known locations of AWC, then integrated Sentinel-1 and 2A satellite data with abiotic variables into a species distribution model. We developed a spectral signature of AWC to aid in our understanding of phenology differences from nearby species groups. The selected model had an out-of-bag error of 7.2%, and 8 of the 11 variables retained in the final model were derived from remotely sensed data, highlighting the importance of including temporal data to exploit divergent phenology. Model predictions were strong in live AWC stands and, accurately, did not predict live AWC in stands that experienced high levels of mortality after Hurricane Sandy. The model presented in this study provides high utility for AWC management and tracking mortality dynamics within stands after disturbances such as hurricanes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 7984 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Coastal Cultural Ecosystem Services and Well-Being for Integrating Stakeholder Values into Coastal Planning
by Kristina Veidemane, Agnese Reke, Anda Ruskule and Ivo Vinogradovs
Land 2024, 13(3), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030362 - 13 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1628
Abstract
Coastal areas provide ecosystem services (ES), including a wide range of cultural ecosystem services (CES). This study aims to operationalize the ES approach for integrated assessment and mapping of coastal CES through the case of the eastern Baltic Sea coast in Latvia. It [...] Read more.
Coastal areas provide ecosystem services (ES), including a wide range of cultural ecosystem services (CES). This study aims to operationalize the ES approach for integrated assessment and mapping of coastal CES through the case of the eastern Baltic Sea coast in Latvia. It explores an interdisciplinary approach to enhance coastal planning, leveraging the strengths of plural disciplines to ensure a more holistic representation of coastal CES. A set of methods and techniques from landscape ecology (e.g., landscape characterization, quality assessment, biophysical mapping) and social sciences (participatory GIS, stakeholder engagement events, nationwide survey) are developed and tested, particularly demonstrating links and correlations between landscape character and CES values and well-being dimensions. The results illuminate the main perceived well-being benefits that people gain from the coastal areas, highlighting the different perspectives of stakeholders. Finally, the integrated assessment results helped to construct proposals for sustainable tourism development in the area. The outcomes of the study are intended to assist planners and decision-makers in evaluating the potential for development and trade-offs in coastal regions. This research contributes to the advancement of coastal spatial planning methodologies, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and ES assessment for informed decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 5531 KiB  
Article
The Role of Vegetation Monitoring in the Conservation of Coastal Habitats N2000: A Case Study of a Wetland Area in Southeast Sicily (Italy)
by Saverio Sciandrello, Veronica Ranno and Valeria Tomaselli
Land 2024, 13(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010062 - 4 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1463
Abstract
The coastal wetlands are among the most vulnerable and threatened environments of the Mediterranean area. Targeted actions for their conservation require in-depth knowledge of current and past natural vegetation. In this paper, we surveyed the vegetation composition and the spatio-temporal changes of a [...] Read more.
The coastal wetlands are among the most vulnerable and threatened environments of the Mediterranean area. Targeted actions for their conservation require in-depth knowledge of current and past natural vegetation. In this paper, we surveyed the vegetation composition and the spatio-temporal changes of a coastal wetland area in southeastern Sicily (“Saline di Priolo” SAC). Based on 128 phytosociological surveys and several plant collections, a total of 304 taxa, 28 plant communities, and 16 habitats have been identified. Furthermore, three new plant associations were described, including two in wetland and one in rocky coast environments. For the classification of plant communities and habitats, a hierarchical clustering was performed by using Euclidean coefficient and beta-flexible algorithm. The life form spectrum of the current flora highlights the dominance of therophytes and hemicryptophytes. The Mediterranean species are largely prevailing with 123 taxa. The cartographic analysis performed with ArcGis 10.3 shows a radical reduction in the wetland habitats in the last 70 years, and a strong alteration of the ecological succession of the psammophilous-hygrophilous vegetation. Moreover, landscape configuration of the coastal vegetation and habitat types was well highlighted by a set of specific landscape metrics. In particular, our outcomes identify three habitats (2110, 2210, and 5220* EU code) with bad conservation status, among which we identified one of priority conservation (Zyziphus arborescent matorral) that requires urgent restoration measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3580 KiB  
Article
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment Aided by Citizen Science Volunteers: A Look at the Italian Central Adriatic
by Federica Compagnone, Marco Varricchione, Michele Innangi, Mirko Di Febbraro, Anna Loy, Angela Stanisci, Maria Carla de Francesco, Giorgio Matteucci and Maria Laura Carranza
Land 2023, 12(11), 2023; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12112023 - 6 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1574
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems, encompassing land and marine environments and hosting substantial biodiversity, are among the most threatened worldwide. The European Habitats Directive prioritises coastal habitats and species, requiring legislative, direct protection, monitoring, and informational measures. Accurate habitat and species monitoring is crucial to conservation [...] Read more.
Coastal ecosystems, encompassing land and marine environments and hosting substantial biodiversity, are among the most threatened worldwide. The European Habitats Directive prioritises coastal habitats and species, requiring legislative, direct protection, monitoring, and informational measures. Accurate habitat and species monitoring is crucial to conservation efforts, yet biodiversity research in complex, ever-changing environments like coastal areas is difficult. Citizen Science may bridge biodiversity assessment and eco-friendly monitoring by incorporating non-scientists into the data collection for scientists and stakeholders. A Citizen Science approach supported by a dedicated iNaturalist project (called Wild Coast CASCADE) was implemented to obtain a complete monitoring framework that includes observations of many taxa in terrestrial, aquatic, and transitional dynamic coastal environments in the Central Italian Adriatic coast. We explored data gathered focusing on the IUCN Red List species, the species and habitats of European conservation concern, and the non-native species. Between 2020 and 2023, we collected 3784 records covering 742 species, with 81% meeting the “research grade criteria”, and these were retained for subsequent research. Citizen Science volunteers have collected 291 georeferenced animal records from the global IUCN Red List, 51 plant species from 14 species that are indicators of the presence of habitats of European Conservation Concern, and 44 non-native plants and animals. Our results provide evidence that citizen research projects can effectively assist in monitoring coastal–marine habitats and species. They also underline the potential of Citizen Science for biodiversity conservation and emphasize the importance of public engagement in conservation efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 5852 KiB  
Review
Coastal Cultural Ecosystem Services: A Bridge between the Natural Ecosystem and Social Ecosystem for Sustainable Development
by Yuqing Zhao, Zenglin Han, Changren Zhang, Yuqiao Wang, Jingqiu Zhong and Mengfan Gao
Land 2024, 13(9), 1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091352 - 25 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2201
Abstract
Cultural Ecosystem Services (CESs), as non-material benefits and well-being provided by ecosystems to humans, possess the ability to bridge nature and human society and interpret their complex interrelationships. Coastal areas are regions with concentrated human activities, where coastal zones are often subject to [...] Read more.
Cultural Ecosystem Services (CESs), as non-material benefits and well-being provided by ecosystems to humans, possess the ability to bridge nature and human society and interpret their complex interrelationships. Coastal areas are regions with concentrated human activities, where coastal zones are often subject to human development, pollution, and degradation. Compared to other ecosystems, coastal ecosystems face greater pressures and threats, and the cultural services they provide are more vulnerable. Research on coastal ecosystem cultural services needs to consider ecosystem vulnerability and find ways to protect and restore ecosystem functions. Therefore, this paper explores the intrinsic logical system and feasibility of guiding natural resource management and enhancing human well-being through coastal CESs, discussing related research data acquisition, method analysis, and perceptual application. Based on this, this paper analyzes the development trends of coastal CESs in natural resource management and enhancing human well-being from aspects such as biodiversity, human–nature interaction processes, cultural heritage conservation, local economic development, and community management. Finally, it proposes advancing the in-depth research of coastal CESs from the perspectives of integrating multi-source data, interdisciplinary development, and incorporating CESs into policy making, providing theoretical support for the systematic study of rational resource utilization and sustainable ecosystem development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-8
Back to TopTop