ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AS A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM IN SPATIAL PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

• Main Authors: Edyta Aleksandra Hewelke, Marta Graczyk
• Format: Article
• Language: Polish
• Published: Polish Society of Ecological Engineering (PTIE) 2016-09-01
• Series: Inżynieria Ekologiczna
• Subjects: ecosystem services; land use; sustainable development
• Online Access: http://www.journalssystem.com/ie/Uslugi-ekosystemow-jako-instrument-wspierania-decyzji-w-gospodarce-przestrzennej-i-ochronie-srodowiska-,64222,0,2.html

The way of using the environment greatly affects the condition of ecosystems and often reduces their potential. Loss of function provided by natural ecosystems in the long term may have a negative impact on human well-being. The objective of the analysis was an assessment of changes in ecosystem services as a tool supporting decision-making process in land management and environmental protection. The case study, limestone mine “Lipówka” in Rudniki shows how to restore the benefits of environmentally degraded areas. For analysis a selected array of ecosystem services was used, which identified trends of the services provided by the three methods of land use, i.e.: open-cast mine, closing the excavation and after restoration. Changes in ecosystem services provided by different use is a premise to taking them into account into making decisions concerning land management. Analysis of ecosystem services and their changes seems to be necessary in order to properly solve problems concerning spatial and environmental decisions with regard to the concept of sustainable development.