Ecosystem services at Igriș -Șeitin and Felnac sites, as perceived by local people
November 17, 2014
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| Article Title: | Ecosystem services at Igriș -Șeitin and Felnac sites, as perceived by local people |
| Authors: | Petrescu C-M, Pascu M-S |
| Affiliation: | 1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biology, ”Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad 2Institute of Life Science, ”Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad |
| Abstract: | The purpose of the performed research is to investigate and asses changes in how local community used the natural resources over time, how individuals perceive their natural environment and changes in landscape due to historical human activities. Natural ecosystems are supplying various resources and services (processes) to the local communities and humankind in general. The ecosystem goods and services include resources like clean drinking water and processes such as the decomposition of wastes. While scientists and environmentalists have discussed ecosystem services for decades, these services were popularized and their definitions formalized by the United Nations 2004 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA). The MA classified ecosystem goods services into four categories: provisioning services, such as the production of food and water; regulating services, such as the control of climate and diseases; supporting services, such as nutrient cycles and crop pollination; and cultural services, such as spiritual and recreational benefits. The modern concept of ecosystem services include’s also socio-economic and conservation objectives. Through our study we looked to understand the importance of nature for a local community, how the communities can benefit from their environment and how land use change throughout the history. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 3 communities located within the Mures river valley, downstream Arad. The evaluated area comprises natural, semi-natural and antropic ecosystems/habitats. A series of ecosystem goods and services, as perceived by the local communities, were defined. |
| Keywords: | ecosystem goods and services, landscape, land use, Mures river valley, |
| *Correspondence: | Constantin-Marian Petrescu, 1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biology, ”Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad, 2Institute of Life Science, ”Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad, e-mail: marian.petrescu@yahoo.com |
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